Tips to make your tyres last longer

Running a car can be a costly business due to regular servicing, maintenance and repairs. This can be a concern for many, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis. As a result, it makes sense to look after your vehicle to avoid unnecessary bills and save money.

Car tyres particularly require regular maintenance to keep them performing as they should, however, even the most well looked after tyres will wear out eventually. Sometimes, they can wear out much faster than you'd expect, so it’s essential to check your tyres frequently.

Whether you've bought new tyres recently or you're keen to make your existing ones last as long as possible, there are a few things you can do to prolong the life of your tyres and stay safe on the roads. Keep reading to discover how to make your tyres last longer.

Check your tyre pressure

Research indicates that 1 in 4 tyres in the UK are illegal?*

Regular tyre maintenance is not only important to get the most out of your tyres - it's also an essential part of vehicle safety.

We recommend checking your tyre pressure monthly, as well as carrying out a visual inspection for abnormal tyre wear or damage. Find out how to check your tyre pressure.

All cars manufactured after 2014 must be fitted with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to comply with UK law. The TPMS monitors the pressure of your tyres and alerts you if one or more of your tyres needs attention. While this is a fantastic safety feature, it cannot always be relied upon - always check your tyres yourself to be sure.

Underinflated tyres will cause a dip in the centre of your tyre, causing the outer edges to wear more rapidly than the rest of the tyre. However, overinflated tyres will see the contact patch (the area of your tyre in contact with the road) reduce, causing excessive wear to the centre of the tyre.

Find the correct tyre pressure for your car in your owner's manual.

Check your wheel alignment

Your tyres need to be at the correct angle as specified by the manufacturer to ensure they wear evenly over time. Hitting kerbs or driving at speed through a pothole can result in wheel misalignment.

Signs of wheel misalignment include:

• Rapid or uneven wear
• Dragging or pulling to one side
• Steering wheel vibration
• Scrubbing or squealing noises at low speeds

Driving with incorrectly aligned tyres is unsafe and could put you and other road users at risk. If you think there may be a problem, book in for Wheel Alignment today.

Choose the right tyre for your vehicle

Choosing the right tyres can have a huge impact on how long they're likely to last. Tyres that are optimised to reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel economy will typically last longer, as they help to minimise friction with the road.

If you can, stick to the same brand of tyres on all four wheels. Not all tyres are made in the same way; each tyre manufacturer will use different processes and materials and will therefore wear at different rates.

Whether you choose to opt for budget tyres or premium tyres will be dependent on the type of vehicle you drive and your personal budget.

Discover more about how to choose the right tyres with our tyre buyer’s guide.

Avoid bumps and scrapes

Sharp edges on the pavement could result in a puncture or damage to the tyre, so take care when parking. Avoid mounting the kerb unless absolutely necessary - this can damage the tyre and knock your wheels out of alignment. Therefore, taking care when parking your car could help you save money and avoid a costly repair.

Drive with care

Driving style can seriously affect the lifespan of your tyres, as can the climate and condition of the roads. Accelerating aggressively, braking sharply and taking corners at speed is not only dangerous, but will also lead to excessive tyre wear.

Empty the boot

How much stuff is crammed in your car boot and how much of it do you actually need?

A great way to get the most out of your tyres is to reduce the weight in your car. Your car tyres are already carrying the weight of the engine, the chassis, the driver and any passengers. By emptying the boot of all the things you don't need, you'll reduce the strain on your tyres and your wallet, as a lighter car will also help to reduce fuel consumption.

How long do tyres last?

How long your tyres last will be dependent on your driving style. Harsh acceleration and braking can lead to excessive tyre wear and have a significant impact on your tyre’s lifespan. The general rule is that tyres should be changed every 20,000 miles. However, you will need to change your tyres sooner if you notice issues such as your tread is close to the minimum depth, have cracked tyres or you quickly lose tyre pressure regularly.

TyreSafe.org

Same day tyre fitting

Did you know that we now offer same day tyre fitting service across our garages nationwide? Simply book online before 1pm and we can replace your tyres the same day to help you get you back on the road safely and swiftly. Please note that availability varies by location. For more information, please head on over to our dedicated same day tyre fitting page where you can find answers to frequently asked questions, choose the right tyres for your vehicle and book your appointment.

Book same day tyre fitting

Introducing the Halfords Motoring Club

Don’t miss out! Join the Halfords Motoring Club today to access a range of amazing benefits and discounts that are designed to keep you moving, keep you safe and keep you saving.

It’s free to join and you’ll receive money off your MOT, a free car health check and a welcome voucher that can be spent on any Halfords product or service.

Or choose our Premium membership for a small monthly fee (or a one-off payment) to unlock exclusive member pricing on all motoring products and services online and across our stores, garages and Halfords Mobile Experts, as well as a variety of other benefits that will help you to keep moving for less.

With so much to enjoy, this is too good an opportunity to miss!

Join the Halfords Motoring Club today at www.halfords.com/motoring-club.

Join the Halfords Motoring Club