
Tyre Maintenance
Related Pages
Browse Tyre Prices
Browse Wheel Prices
Tyre Compound
Tyre Treads
Tyre Basics
Car Maintenance
Simply attach the gauge to the valve stem and read the psi on the dial. This should be done when the tyre is cold; air expands when hot and increases in pressure. Recommended tyre psi values are given for cold tyres. This can be found on the side wall of the tyre, it is usually in small print so sure to look carefully. Once the pressure value
Tyre wear can tell you not only the condition of your tyres but of your vehicle's alignment system as well. First, check the tyre's tread. Tyres contain wear bars. These are located at the bottom of the tread. When the wear bars are even with
the tread, the tyre is worn and needs to be replaced. Part of checking wear is taking note of how even the wear is across the width of the tyre. If, for example, the tread is heavily worn on the inside edge, your vehicle may have too much negative camber and vice versa. (Camber is the angle inward or outward from the vehicle the wheels tilt at.) Heavy wear on the centre of the tyre indicates over-inflation, whereas excessive wear on the outside edges indicates under-inflation.
Knowing how to change a flat tyre is important for any vehicle owner. You'll need to carry a spare tyre, tyre leaver and a jack in your vehicle in order to do this job. Make sure the vehicle is on level pavement. Start by using the wheel brace to loosen the wheel nuts that attach the wheel to the hub. This will likely be very difficult, so do not be afraid to use some strength. Only loosen the nuts at this point in the process. Once that is accomplished, locate your vehicle's jack points in the owner's manual. It is recommended that you place a heavy object behind the tyre opposite the one you are changing to ensure that the vehicle stays in place when it is lifted. Also, the vehicle’s hand brake must be engaged. Position the jack below the jack point and begin to lift the vehicle. This is usually done by turning a hand crank on the jack. The vehicle is lifted enough when the tyre is off the ground. Complete the unscrewing of the wheel nuts and remove the wheel. Slide the spare wheel into place on the hub studs. Hand-tighten the nuts as much as possible then lower the vehicle to the ground. Complete the job by tightening the nuts as much as possible with the wheel brace.