Basic tyre questions

How much air should I put in my tyres?
Proper inflation is the single most important part of tyre care. The inflation pressure on the side of the tyre is the maximum operating pressure. It is not necessarily the right inflation for your vehicle. Always use the inflation recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You can find it in your owner’s manual, posted on the edge of the driver’s door, on a door post or on the inside of the glove box door. Always check inflation when tyres are cold – when the vehicle has been driven less than a mile or one hour or more after driving. Use a good quality tyre gauge. NB. It’s natural for radial tyres to have a slight bulge in the sidewall at their proper inflation pressure. Check or adjust inflation every few weeks, before any long trip or if travelling with a heavy load. And don’t forget to check the spare.

Should I rotate my tyres?
Regular and proper tyre rotation promotes more uniform wear for all of the tyres on a vehicle. All-season tyres should be rotated in a ‘modified X’ pattern, meaning only the tyres being moved to the drive axle are crossed to the opposite side of the vehicle. The remaining two tyres are moved from the drive axle to the free rolling axle, remaining on the same side of the vehicle. This method of rotation helps promote a more even and uniform tread wear pattern for all four tyres.
 
The only exception to this is the use of ‘directional’ tread design tyres. These tyres should remain on the same side of the vehicle and be rotated straight forward and straight back.

If you have a four wheel drive vehicle, we recommend crossing both pairs of tyres to their new axle positions.
 
We recommend tyre rotation at least every 10,000km. Four wheel drive vehicles may require rotation even sooner, such as every 8,000km. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s rotation recommendations. The first rotation is the most important. When tyres are rotated, inflation pressures must be adjusted to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Uneven tyre wear may also be due to misalignment or mechanical problems.

Why do my tyres need to be balanced?
Properly balanced tyres are important for driving comfort and long tyre life. Unbalanced tyres can cause vibration, resulting in driver fatigue, premature tyre wear and unnecessary wear to your vehicle’s suspension. Tyres should be balanced when they are mounted on wheels for the first time or when they are remounted after repair. Tyres should be rebalanced at the first sign of vibration or ‘shimmy’. Vibration may be due to misalignment or a mechanical issue.

What is alignment?
A vehicle is said to be properly aligned when all suspension and steering components are sound and when the tyre and wheel assemblies are running straight and true. Proper alignment is necessary for even tread wear and precise steering. Uneven front- or rear-tyre wear or changes in your vehicle’s handling or steering response (i.e. pulling to one side) can indicate misalignment. Many vehicles today are equipped with rear suspensions that can be adjusted for alignment. Your vehicle may need a ‘front-end’ alignment or a ‘four-wheel’ alignment, depending on the symptoms you are experiencing. The moderate cost of having your vehicle aligned can more than pay for itself in tyre mileage, performance and comfort.

Is it safe to repair a flat tyre?
If a tyre loses all or most of its air pressure, it must be removed from the wheel for a complete internal inspection to be sure it’s not damaged. Tyres that are run even short distances while flat are often damaged beyond repair. Most punctures, nail holes, or cuts up to 1/4 inch – confined to the tread – may be satisfactorily repaired by trained personnel using industry-approved methods. Don’t repair tyres with tread punctures larger than 5mm or any sidewall puncture. Also, never repair tyres which are worn below 1.6mm. Your best bet is to make sure your spare tyre is always ready to do the job. Check it regularly for proper air pressure and be sure that it is in good shape. If your car is equipped with one of the several types of temporary spares, be sure to check the spare tyre’s sidewall for the correct inflation pressure, speed, and mileage limitations.