How to make tyres last longer

If you’ve just bought a set of brand-new tyres, you might be wondering if there’s anything you can do to make your tyres last longer. The good news is that there are ways to ensure your tyres last as long as possible.

Why are my tyres wearing so quickly?

There are numerous factors that affect how quickly your tyres wear out including what tyre you choose and how you drive your vehicle. However, the most common causes of rapid tyre wear are incorrect tyre pressures and wheel alignment. Having these checked regularly will ensure your get the most life from your new tyres.

How tyre pressure affects tyre wear

Maintaining the right pressure in your tyres will really help them last longer. Making sure your tyres aren’t over or under-inflated is really important when it comes to making your tyres last as long as possible. If you put too much air in your tyres the extra pressure will make the centre of the tread wear more quickly. On the other hand, too little air will cause much of the tyre tread to be in contact with the road surfaces and the edges of the tyre to wear. Low tyre pressure is the most common reason tyres wear out too quickly. You should check your tyre pressures every month; if the weather is very cold your tyre pressure will naturally drop and need topping up. Also, remember if you have a full boot or extra passengers your pressure should be adjusted to cope with the extra weight, especially before a long journey.

How wheel alignment affects tyre wear

If your vehicle is misaligned, you run the risk of tyres wearing unevenly and prematurely. Our branches replace so many tyres which have plenty of tread across the majority of the tread but need changing because they’ve worn on the edges. Alignment checks are free and if you do need adjustment this is much less costly than replacement tyres. We recommend an alignment check every 3-6 months, if you’ve had suspension parts replaced or if you’ve hit a kerb or pothole.

Tyres wear out faster when you drive fast

To make tyres last longer it’s always best to drive as smoothly as possible. Erratic driving, fast acceleration and harsh braking or cornering will put your tyres under strain, causing them to wear out much sooner. If you want your tyres to go the distance it’s best to keep that sort of driving to the track!

Also, extra weight in your vehicle will put strain on your tyres so try not to store heavy items in your boot or on your back seats if you want your tyres to last as long as possible.

Choosing tyres that last as long as possible

Lastly, choosing the right tyres for the type of vehicle you have will have a big impact on how long they’ll last. A big heavy car or SUV will need a tyre with a higher load rating to cope with the extra weight. Always check your vehicle handbook to check the speed and load rating requirements are correct for the vehicle you have!

How long do tyres last?

As a general rule, tyres last up to 20,000 miles however how you look after your tyres, your vehicle condition and the way you drive will have an impact on how quickly they wear out. The type of tyre you choose also affects long they last; a very soft, sticky performance tyre with a lot of grip won’t last as long as a touring tyre designed for everyday use.