DO’S AND DON’TS FOR TYRES

Do check your tyre pressures when they are cold. Don’t bleed the tyres (let the pressure out) when they are hot.
Do have an accurate tyre pressure gauge. Don’t rely on the gauge at the service station – a lot of them are inaccurate.
Do have tyres inspected if you notice regular pressure loss. Don’t just re-inflate the tyre and hope that it will be alright.
Do use the Vehicle manufacturers recommended tyre pressures. Don’t use 200 kPa unless it is the manufacturers recommended tyre pressure.
Do check tyre pressure before going on a long trip, and reset to the recommended pressures for the full load. After the trip, reduce to those recommended for normal driving conditions.
Do use valve caps to protect the valve core.
Do have wheel alignment checked in line with the manufacturers specifications – don’t just have the front wheels aligned.
Do have the alignment checked if you know that you have hit a ‘pot hole’ or the curb. Don’t climb curbs to park the car – this is one of the greatest causes of putting the wheel alignment out on a vehicle
Do have the wheels balanced when you feel the slightest sign of vibration on the steering. Don’t just balance the fronts – balance all of them.
Do inspect for remaining tread on a tyre.. Don’t drive on tyres where the tread depth is below the legal limit.
Do have wheel alignment checked when you see irregular wear on the tyres.
Do rotate tyres in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation – they will last longer. Certain car models have different tyres front and rear. Under these circumstances it will not be possible to rotate tyres.
Do inspect your tyres every second week for damage and objects that may be penetrating the tyre. Don’t pull nails out of the tyre treads – go to a dealer who will repair the tyre correctly.
Do have a “combination plug/patch repair” for punctures. Don’t use plug repairs – they are temporary, only designed to get you home.
Do use tyres that are in good condition. Don’t risk your life, and those of other road users on tyres that are ‘suspect’. Take the advice of professionals as to whether a tyre is suitable for continued use, even after repair.
Do have a spare wheel in good condition. Don’t have a spare that is suspect – you never know when you will need it.
Do replace tyres with those that are approved for the vehicle. Don’t fit tyres that have a lower performance capability than those that should be fitted to the vehicle.
Do have snap-in valves replaced when new tyres are fitted – the valve base does get damaged and will last for one tread life only.
Do reduce vehicle speeds when it starts to rain, there will be a lot of road grime on the surface that will make the roads very slippery.
Do reduce vehicle speeds on gravel roads, particularly if there are sharp rocks and stones on the surface – you may get shoulder damage on tyres.