23 July 2019

Michelin’s tips for tyre care and maintenance

Tyres are more complicated than many people realise and motorists should be aware of the precautions they should take to avoid problems. Becoming familiar with the points below will make you safer on the road, so take note and be sure to consult a Michelin-approved dealer if a problem does arise.

Keep tyres properly inflated

For your tyres to perform at their optimum and ensure the highest level of safety, and to maximise longevity and fuel economy, you have to keep them inflated to the correct pressure.

Check the placard on the panel of the driver’s door or in the vehicle owner’s manual to determine the optimal pressure for your specific vehicle. It’s recommended to have your tyre pressure checked monthly at a service station when the tyres are cool.

Underinflating your tyres will put them under strain and eventually lead to cracking, reducing the load capacity and increasing the flexing of the sidewalls, causing further deterioration. On the other hand, over-inflation can increase the chances of impact damage and make for an uncomfortable driving experience.

Fit the right tyres

Not just any tyre will do. Always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations when replacing tyres to ensure you get the correct type and size. It’s best to consult a Michelin-approved dealer when it’s time for a replacement – never attempt to fit a new tyre yourself. The diameter and maximum load-carrying capacity must match the original equipment tyre of your vehicle. Take care not to replace an “Extra Load (XL)” tyre with a “Standard Load (SL)” tyre.

Also, remember that you should never have a radial and non-radial tyre fitted on the same axle. If you must have radials and non-radials fitted on the same vehicle, ensure that the two radial tyres are on the rear axle.

It’s best to avoid fitting tyres with different speed ratings on the same vehicle, but always ensure that you have matching pairs on the same axle. The maximum speed capacity of the vehicle will be that of the tyre with the lowest speed rating.

Check suspension and alignment

Worn-out suspension, wheel imbalance and wheel misalignment can cause vibrations and uneven wear on your tread. It’s important to have all three checked regularly by an expert, especially after fitting new tyres. The tyres should be rotated every 10 000km, or as per your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, to extend their lifespan.

Watch for signs of wear and tear

Keep an eye out for any signs of impact damage (a bulge on the sidewall), cracking or uneven wear, and consult a dealer if a problem arises. You should have more than 1.6mm of tread, which is deeper than the width of a matchstick. Although there are advantages and disadvantages to either configuration on front- and rear-wheel vehicles, it’s generally better to have the newer pair of tyres on the rear axle.

For a comprehensive list of do’s and don’ts of tyre care, see our safety checklist.