Basic tyre tips/care

• Tyres lose air normally through the process of permeation. Changes in outdoor temperature can affect the rate at which your tyre loses air. This change is more pronounced in hot weather. Generally speaking, a tyre may lose one or two pounds of air per month in cool weather and even more in warmer weather. Underinflation is the leading cause of tyre failure, so check inflation pressure regularly.
• With the right amount of air pressure, you could achieve optimum tyre performance. The correct air pressure is shown on the tyre sticker attached to the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door or fuel door.
• Check the inflation pressure, including the spare, at least once a month and before a very long trip. When operating a vehicle equipped with radial tyres, it is difficult to notice when a tyre has lost air, or is near flat.
• Never ‘bleed’ or reduce air pressure when tyres are hot. It is normal for pressures to build up as a result of driving. Make sure all tyre valves and extensions are equipped with valve caps to keep out dirt and moisture.
• Underinflation or overloading creates excessive stresses and heat, and can lead to tyre failure.
• Uneven wear patterns may be caused by improper inflation pressures, misalignment, improper balance or suspension neglect. If not corrected, further tyre damage can occur.
• If a tyre continuously needs more air, have it taken off the vehicle and checked to find out why it is leaking.
• It is very important to have good driving habits to ensure a long life for tyres. Always observe posted speed limits; avoid fast starts, stops and turns; avoid potholes and objects on the road; and do not run over curbs or hit the tyre against the curb when parking.
• Correct vehicle alignment is a must and should be checked periodically. Vibration is an indication that the car has something that needs attention.
• Tyres should be rotated to achieve uniform wear for all tyres. Before you rotate the tyres, the owner’s manual for the specific vehicle should be consulted for the manufacturer’s rotation recommendations. If no rotation period is specified, tyres should be rotated every 12,500–17,000km.
• The first rotation is the most important. If the tyres show uneven wear, ask the serviceman to check and correct any misalignment, imbalance or other mechanical problem before rotation.
• Tyres should be balanced about every 20,000km and alignment checked annually or every 25,000km.
• While replacing a tyre with a different size and/or construction, always check the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation.
• When tyres need to be replaced, don’t guess what tyre is right for your vehicle. For the answer, first look at the tyre sticker which tells you the size of the tyres that were on the vehicle as original equipment.
• More tyre tips can be found at www.continentaltyres.com.au, with Australian and European content.