Tyre Safety 101: How to Check, Maintain and Extend the Life of Your Tyres – A Tynan Motors Guide
Tyres are often overlooked, but they’re one of the most important safety features on your vehicle. After all, they’re your car’s only contact with the road. Whether you're navigating city streets or heading off on a road trip, well-maintained tyres ensure better handling, braking, and fuel efficiency.
At Tynan Motors, we want every driver to feel confident on the road—so we’ve put together this easy-to-follow guide to tyre maintenance, from checking pressures to understanding those sidewall markings.
✅ Why Tyre Pressure Matters
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is crucial for:
- Better grip and steering
- Improved fuel economy
- Longer tyre life
- Safer braking performance
Even small pressure changes can impact your driving, so it’s essential to check your tyre pressure every week or two, or at least when you refuel.
📏 How to Check Your Tyre Pressure
- Find the correct pressure: Look for the tyre placard (usually inside the front door frame) or refer to your owner’s manual. Front and rear tyres often require different pressures.
- Use a reliable gauge: Fuel station gauges can be inaccurate. A pen-style pressure gauge from Repco or other auto stores (where NRMA members get discounts) is a worthwhile investment.
- Check when tyres are cold: Tyres heat up while driving, increasing pressure. For the most accurate reading, check pressure before driving or after the car has been parked for a while.
- Add air if needed: If tyres are warm and you're unable to wait, add 2 psi over the recommended pressure to compensate for the heat.
- Don’t forget the spare: A flat spare won’t help in an emergency—check it just as often as your main tyres.
🔍 How to Check for Tyre Wear
Your tyres may look fine at a glance, but tread wear or damage can affect safety—and legality.
- Tread depth: Tyres have tread wear indicators—small rubber bars inside the grooves. If the tread is level with these bars (less than 1.5mm depth), your tyres are legally worn out.
- Sidewall checks: Look for bulges, cracks, or cuts. These signs indicate the tyre is unsafe and must be replaced.
- Uneven wear: This could point to alignment or suspension issues, which can shorten tyre life and affect driving safety. Tynan Motors can assist with alignment checks during servicing.
🔄 Is Tyre Rotation Worth It?
Absolutely. Rotating your tyres:
- Evens out tread wear
- Improves lifespan
- Delivers a smoother ride
The ideal rotation pattern depends on your vehicle’s drive type and tyre setup—check your owner’s manual, or ask our team at Tynan Motors or Motorserve during your next service. If you have a full-sized spare, rotate it into the mix to maximise its life too.
🧠 What Do the Numbers on Your Tyre Mean?
Ever looked at your tyre and wondered what P 195/60R15 94H means?
Here’s a breakdown:
- P = Passenger tyre
- 195 = Tyre width in millimetres
- 60 = Aspect ratio (height to width)
- R = Radial construction
- 15 = Fits a 15-inch wheel
- 94 = Load index
- H = Speed rating
Understanding these markings helps you choose the right replacements and ensure your tyres meet your car's performance requirements.
🛠️ Tynan Motors – Your Tyre Safety Partner
From family SUVs to compact commuters, the right tyre care makes every journey safer and more efficient. At Tynan Motors, our trained technicians can:
- Check and adjust your tyre pressure
- Rotate and balance tyres
- Inspect for damage and tread wear
- Recommend and fit new tyres
- Provide alignment and suspension checks
Whether you're booking a regular service or preparing for a long trip, tyre checks are included in our comprehensive vehicle inspections.
🚗 Drive Safer, Longer and Smarter
Good tyres don’t just keep your car moving—they keep you, your passengers, and others on the road safe. Make tyre care part of your regular maintenance routine, and visit Tynan Motors for expert advice and service.
Tynan Motors – Where Safety Meets the Road.
Ensure you search the Tynan stock through our link here.
Credit: MyNRMA.com.au