Tyres Don’t Last Forever: Why Regular Tyre Inspections Matter More Than You Think
Tyres are the only part of your vehicle that make contact with the road, yet they are often overlooked until a puncture or worn tread becomes obvious. Regular tyre inspections are an important part of vehicle maintenance and can help identify problems before they affect safety, fuel economy or handling.
At Aitken Bros Autos, tyres are inspected during every service, and customers are advised when tyre replacement is becoming necessary. This allows vehicle owners to plan ahead rather than being surprised by an unroadworthy tyre or an inconvenient breakdown.
What Should Be Checked During a Tyre Inspection?
A tyre inspection involves more than measuring tread depth. Tyres should also be checked for:
- Uneven or rapid tread wear
- Punctures or previous repairs
- Cracks, cuts and rubber deterioration
- Bulges or signs of internal damage
- Delamination or separation of tyre layers
- Incorrect tyre pressures
- Damage from impacts with potholes or rough roads
Delaying vehicle servicing can mean these issues go unnoticed for longer, increasing the risk of reduced tyre life or tyre failure.
Tyres Age Even When You Aren't Driving
Many drivers are surprised to learn that tyres have a date of manufacture. Over time, rubber naturally hardens and deteriorates due to age, sunlight, temperature changes and general use.
As an industry guide, many tyres begin to warrant closer inspection once they reach around 7 to 8 years of age, with tyres approaching 10 years often considered unsuitable for continued road use, depending on their quality, storage conditions, usage and overall condition.
Vehicles that spend long periods parked, travel on rough rural roads or experience temperature extremes may place additional stress on tyre rubber.
Wheel Alignments and Balancing Matter
Wheel alignments and wheel balancing can help extend tyre life by reducing uneven wear and improving vehicle handling. Suspension wear, potholes, kerb impacts and everyday driving can gradually alter wheel alignment without the driver noticing.
Tyre inspections are particularly important before long-distance travel. Don't forget the spare tyre either — an unused spare can still deteriorate with age and should be checked regularly.
Tyres for Passenger Vehicles and 4WDs
Whether you drive a family car, SUV, ute or 4WD, Aitken Bros Autos offers tyre and wheel packages for passenger vehicles and four-wheel drives. The team can help select tyres suited to your driving conditions, vehicle requirements and budget.
A tyre can look perfectly acceptable from the outside while age-related deterioration is occurring internally. This is why checking tyre age and condition can be just as important as checking tread depth.
FAQ
How often should tyres be inspected?
Tyres should be checked regularly and inspected during scheduled servicing. Aitken Bros Autos checks tyre condition at every service.
Do tyres expire?
Tyres don't have a fixed expiry date, but age affects rubber condition. Older tyres should be inspected carefully, even if tread depth appears acceptable.
How do I find the age of my tyres?
The tyre sidewall includes a date code showing when the tyre was manufactured. Your technician can help identify and interpret this code.
What causes uneven tyre wear?
Incorrect tyre pressures, poor wheel alignment, worn suspension components or wheel balancing issues can all contribute to uneven wear.
Do tyres wear out even if I don't drive much?
Yes. Tyres can age and deteriorate over time due to heat, sunlight and environmental exposure.
Should I check my spare tyre before travelling?
Absolutely. A spare tyre should be inspected for pressure, condition and age before long trips. Spare tyres can deteriorate over time, even if they have seen little use.
Can wheel alignment extend tyre life?
Yes. Correct alignment and balancing can reduce uneven wear, help maximise tyre lifespan, improve tyre wear, handling and driving comfort.
For tyre inspections, wheel alignments, balancing and tyre replacement advice, contact Aitken Bros Autos in Terang. As an independently owned Repco Authorised Service centre member, the team can help keep your tyres in sound condition and ready for everyday driving or your next long-distance trip.