Quick tips to keep your tyres and shocks in check

Tyres

• The first thing you can do is check your tyre for visible damage, such as pieces of wood, plastic, or even nails and glass, that might be stuck to it. They may be small, but over time, become the cause of punctures. The sooner you get rid of them, the better.
• Get your tyres to last longer by checking the tyre pressure every month. Too much pressure will make it harder to control and manoeuvre a car, and too little pressure can affect your car’s fuel economy. Your front and rear tyres will never have the same tyre pressure requirements, so make sure you know where on your car your tyre pressure indicators are placed. Consult your car manual or your manufacturer if you get stuck.
• Always be aware of the tread depth of your tyres. In between the grooves of your tyres is a small square indicator. If the tread is level with this indicator, you’re in trouble. If it’s not, you’re safe.

Shocks

• Worn shock absorbers can easily cause tyre damage, so making sure they’re in shape is essential. Observe your car while it’s on a flat surface and make sure that it is level. If it’s not, that’s an indication of a need to replace the shock absorbers.
• If you need to replace your shocks, tyre experts recommend that all four shocks are replaced to better monitor their wearing over time.
• Check your car’s suspension by pushing down with a little bit of weight on the bonnet of the car. A car with shocks that are still in good shape will rebound quite quickly once pushed down. If your car bounces up and down a couple of times, it’s time to replace your shocks.

Watch the video below and learn exactly how to do this bounce test on your car.

For more tips on tyres and shocks, refer to Speedy Tyre and Fitment’s website.