TyreLAND’s Top 5
Tyre Safety Tips
Follow these top 5 tips to help maximise your safety on the road.
- Never drive on bald tyres – tyre tread.
- Don’t drive on under or over inflated tyres – tyre pressure.
- Know your tyres’ speed ratings and load capacities
Every tyre has a maximum speed rating and a load index that indicates its maximum carrying capacity and these are marked on the tyre – tyre markings. A tyre with a high speed rating will probably perform better at high speeds than one with a low speed rating. If you carry heavy loads in your vehicle, make sure it is fitted with tyres capable of safely bearing the weight. - Mixing old and new tyres
Ideally, replacement tyres should be renewed in sets of four to maintain consistent vehicle handling and responses. If this is not possible, tyres should at least be replaced in pairs on the same axle. Most tyre manufacturers recommend placing the tyres with the best grip and cornering power (new tyres) at the rear, whether the vehicle is front or rear wheel drive. Fitting new tyres to the front can result in oversteer and loss of control. - Space saver tyres
Many modern cars are equipped with temporary-use or space-saver spare tyres which are smaller, lighter, and take up less space than standard spares. These tyres are usually about the width of a motorcycle tyre. Space-saver tyres normally need to be inflated to a higher pressure. Make sure yours is inflated properly. Space-saver tyres should only be used in an emergency, to go directly home or to get your regular tyre repaired or replaced - they are not designed to be used over long distances. Spacesaver tyres have a speed restriction of 80 km/h and you should not exceed this speed when driving on a space-saver. Your vehicle’s handling may also be different when a space-saver is fitted. Drive carefully and never fit more than one space-saver tyre to a vehicle. As long as you keep to these guidelines and your space-saver tyre is in good condition, it is safe to drive on.