They have a huge impact on your car’s handling, fuel economy and safety, and when it comes down to it, they’re the only thing between you and the asphalt! But how long should car tyres last in Australia, and how can you get the most out of them?
How long should tyres last?
Advances in technology mean that today’s tyres tend to last much longer than in days gone by. Improvements in raw materials, chemical compounds, tread patterns, sidewall design and overall construction mean that tyres can perform for longer in tougher conditions. Tyres will generally last an average of 40,000km, although this can vary widely depending on quality of road surfaces and your driving style. They should be checked annually once they reach the 5-year mark, and should be replaced every 10 years at the very least.
Factors affecting how long car tyres last in Australia
Driving habits
Driving defensively isn’t just about safety! Driving fast, cornering aggressively and braking hard can all reduce the lifespan of your tyre tread significantly. If you’re a speed demon, you’ll be replacing your tyres much more frequently. And if you’re in the habit of ‘dry steering’ (turning the wheel when stationary) while parking, now is the time to work on your skills as this can put huge pressure on your tyres.
Road conditions
The condition of the surfaces your tyres deal with regularly go a long way towards determining their lifespan. Unsealed country roads or well-maintained bitumen streets will affect your tyres differently, as will traffic conditions. Braking and accelerating more frequently in city conditions, for example, will cause wear and tear than longer stretches of maintained speed. There’s not often a lot you can do about road conditions themselves, but you can think about how you approach them.
Climate and temperature
The temperature inside your tyres – and thus air pressure – is affected by air temperature, road temperature and the speed at which you’re travelling. This is why ‘blowouts’ are more common on those stinking hot Australian summer days. A 5°C variation in temperature can result in an approximately 2% rise (or fall) in tyre pressure, leading to blowouts on hot days or lower pressure on cold days that can lead to compromised grip/handling and increased fuel consumption.
How to make your car tyres last longer
Pressure
Having the correct tyre pressure can significantly extend the lifespan of your tyres, and is also really important for keeping your car running safely and efficiently. This can prevent blowouts, improve your fuel efficiency, and play an important role in staying safe on the road, particularly in wet conditions. Your vehicle’s recommended tyre pressure is displayed in the owner’s manual, and often appears on a sticker inside the driver’s door. Your local service station will have a pressure gauge, so plan ahead and fill-up with petrol while you’re there.
Remember that tyre pressure is best checked when your tyres are cold (i.e. before you drive a long distance). Always check your tyre pressure before you head off on a long journey, and be mindful that you may need to adjust the pressure if you plan to tow a load.
Learn more with our guide to ‘What PSI should car tyres be?‘.
Alignment and balance
Having correct wheel alignment has a huge impact on how long your tyres last, and is critical to the safety and efficiency of your vehicle. Correctly aligned wheels will be parallel with one another and perpendicular to the ground within a very precise and sensitive range of acceptance. Any variation from this range has an impact on the resistance of your tyres, and thus the efficiency and safety of your car.
If you’ve noticed uneven wear and tear on your tyre treads, wear on the inner or outer edges of your tyres, or have experienced a sudden or sharp impact on one of more of your wheels, then it’s time to see an expert – these are all indications that your vehicle may require a wheel alignment.
Other signs of misalignment include the sensation that your car is pulling to the left or right, or vibration through the steering wheel. Regular wear and tear in your steering assembly, suspension and tyres will all affect wheel alignment over time, which is why it is an important element of the safety checks we undertake here at Cox Auto when you service your car regularly.
Monitoring and maintenance
Get in the habit of walking around your vehicle once a month and checking your tyres for any obvious signs of wear, such as bulges, cracks or embedded objects. Also, keep an eye on the tread-wear indicators on your tyres – when your tyres are worn to the minimum Australian standard, these indicators will be flush with your tyre’s tread.
We recommend you change your tyres before reaching this point of wear and tear. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, bring your car in or give us a call.
Faced with a puncture? Learn how to fix a tyre puncture properly – and why it’s so important to have it looked at by a professional.
We’re here where the rubber meets the road
Our specialist technicians provide the highest quality workmanship and customer service for all your car servicing and tyre needs. As soon as you notice any warning signs that your tyres or wheels are past their best, book an service or call the workshop today on 03 9071 0560.
We will assess the condition of your tyres and provide you honest, reliable advice on the best course of action. Need to get somewhere while your vehicle is being serviced at Cox Auto? As well as a fleet of courtesy cars, we offer a complimentary pick up and drop off service via Uber within 10 km of our centre in South Melbourne.
