Quick and easy tyre analysis for the coming holiday season

With the long weekend approaching, this could be a good time to do some “tyre tread investigation” to determine exactly what your tyres are telling you.

If your tyres are not fit for the long road, then your car is not roadworthy and a danger to you, your passengers and other road users.

Everything you need to know about what’s going on with your wheel alignment or balancing, tyre pressure and even your shocks, is imprinted on your tyres. The trick is knowing how to read these clues.

Here are some hints from some tyre experts on what your tread is telling you:

• Worn inner or outer edges, also known as “toe wear.” This could be an indicator of a problem with your wheel alignment. Have it checked right away.

• Wear on both the inner and outer edges. Your tyres are likely under inflated. Inflate them right away and have them checked for leaks.

• Wear down in the middle of the tyre could mean your tyres are over inflated. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your tyres and stick with the pressure indicated.

• Random bald spots. This could be from excessive breaking or skidding and could also be a sign that your shocks are worn or wheels are seriously out of balance. Either way, you should have it seen to immediately.

• Cupping or scalloping. If you can see the signs of diagonal tread wear on your tyres, you should know this is a serious problem that could be the result of worn shocks or even a failing suspension. Have it seen to right away.

When it comes to getting the safest, longest use from your tyres, prevention is better and cheaper than cure. By regularly inflating your tyres to the manufacturer-recommended pressures, checking the wheel balancing and alignment regularly, rotating tyres every 10 000km or every time you hit an obstacle, and maintaining your vehicle’s suspension, you will be able to enjoy many more kilometres of safe driving than you might have otherwise.