7 Maintenance Tips to Avoid Frequent Tyre Repairs

Tyres wear down with regular use, affecting grip, handling, and overall performance. Routine checks help extend their lifespan and prevent unexpected failures, costly replacements, and potential accidents.

In Singapore, where weather conditions rapidly shift between intense heat and sudden downpours, the importance of superior tyre grip and handling is even more critical. Adopting expert-recommended maintenance routines ensures tyres are kept in prime condition, fostering a smoother and safer driving experience.

Here are seven maintenance tips to avoid frequent tyre repairs.

1. Regular Tyre Pressure Checks

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is an important yet often overlooked aspect of vehicle safety and efficiency. Properly inflated tyres enhance handling, extend tyre lifespan, and improve fuel efficiency—ultimately saving you money and reducing accident risks. To maintain optimal performance, check your tyre pressure at least once a month.

Prerequisites:

• Use a reliable tyre pressure gauge which can be found at petrol stations and auto shops. A digital or manual gauge works well.
• Ensure the tyres are cold. Tyre pressure fluctuates when tyres heat up from driving. For the most accurate reading, check pressure when the tyres are cold—before driving, after driving less than 1.6 km at moderate speed, or after being parked for three hours or more.

Here is a simple step-by-step guide to ensure your tyres are properly inflated:

• Remove the valve cap. Unscrew the cap from the tyre’s air valve and place it somewhere safe.
• Attach the gauge firmly Press the tyre gauge onto the valve stem for a second or two. A brief hissing sound is normal as air escapes momentarily.
• Read the measurement. If you’re using a manual gauge, check the dial or the bar that extends from the device. Digital gauges will display the exact reading on a screen.
• Compare with recommended PSI. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the placard on the driver’s side door frame for the correct tyre pressure. If the reading is too high, release air; if it is too low, inflate accordingly.
• Secure the valve cap. Once done, screw the cap back onto the valve to prevent dirt and moisture from getting inside.
• Repeat for all tyres. Check each tyre individually, as the pressure can vary from one to another.

2. Proper Wheel Alignment and Balancing

Over time, wheels can become misaligned due to potholes, kerbs, uneven roads, or general wear and tear. When this happens, your car may exhibit warning signs such as uneven tyre wear, a steering wheel that is not centred, vibrations, or the vehicle pulling to one side.

Notably, there is a difference between tyre balancing and wheel alignment:

• Tyre Balancing

  
  This process ensures even weight distribution across all tyres by attaching small metal weights to the wheel rim. This prevents vibrations, uneven wear, and suspension strain caused by tyre imperfections and other factors like potholes, rough roads, and prolonged parking.

• Wheel Alignment

  
  Unlike balancing, alignment focuses on adjusting the angles of the wheels to ensure proper contact with the road. It corrects misalignment caused by daily driving, bumps, or hitting kerbs, preventing the car from pulling to one side, and improving handling and tyre longevity.
  
  To maintain optimal performance, it is recommended to check your wheel alignment every 6,000 to 10,000 km or whenever you notice changes in handling. Keeping your wheels properly aligned ensures a safer, smoother, and more efficient drive.

3. Routine Tyre Rotation

Tyre rotation is an integral part of tyre repairs to enhance its longevity and usability. It involves periodically changing the position of each tyre to promote even tread wear. This is especially important in front-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicles, where tyres experience varying levels of friction and stress based on their position. Regular rotations ensure uniform wear across all tyres.

Typically, routine tyre rotation is advisable every 8,000 km (5,000 miles) or every time a vehicle needs an oil change. It is a simple yet effective way to maintain tyre health, vehicle performance, and overall road safety.

Additionally, there are different tyre rotation patterns to utilise, depending on the type of vehicle wheel-drive, directional or non-directional wheel patterns, and wheel sizes.

• Forward Cross Pattern

  
  Best suited for non-directional, same-sized tyres, this pattern helps distribute wear evenly, improving traction, stability, and handling. The forward cross tyre rotation pattern is ideal for front-wheel drive vehicles, ensuring even tread wear and prolonged tyre life.

• X-Pattern

  
  The X-pattern tyre rotation is ideal for four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles, including light trucks and sedans. It promotes even tread wear, enhances handling, and maximises tyre lifespan, making it a reliable choice for maintaining balanced performance on the road.

• Rearward Cross

  
  In this method, the rear tyres move straight to the front, staying on the same side, while the front tyres shift diagonally to the rear, switching sides. The rearward cross tyre rotation pattern is ideal for rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles.

4. Inspect Tyres for Damage and Wear

Road hazards like potholes, sharp debris, and general wear can lead to tyre punctures, cracks, or bulges. Ignoring these issues increases the risk of tyre failure, which could result in a dangerous blowout.

Interestingly, there is an unconventional but fairly easy way to check the tyre’s tread without going to a car mechanic. This method is called the ‘Penny Test.’

• Insert a $1 coin into the tread grooves (rib) with the word ‘SINGAPORE’ facing down.
• If the phrase ‘SINGAPORE’ is visible, your tyres are too worn and need replacement as it is below 1.6mm.
• Additionally, tread wear indicators such as small rubber bars across the grooves, become more noticeable as the tread wears down, signalling it is time for new tyres.

The legal minimum of tyre tread is 1.6mm, but experts recommend replacing tyres at 2–3mm for optimal safety. Worn-out treads reduce traction, increase braking distance, and heighten the risk of skidding in slippery conditions.

5. Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle

Overloading directly impacts safety, performance, and tyre longevity. Excess weight puts immense stress on your tyres, brakes, and suspension, increasing the risk of accidents and costly repairs. That’s why it is important to understand the limitation of the vehicle’s weight.

To protect your vehicle’s tyres, vehicle owners should distribute the weight evenly as uneven loads put excessive stress on certain axles, affecting handling and tyre wear. It is also recommended to weigh your vehicle before travelling if you are expecting to carry heavy cargo. Use a weighbridge or axle scale to ensure compliance with legal limits.

In Singapore, there are maximum laden weight (MLW) restrictions depending on the type of vehicle. These are categorised into 4 categories:

• Light Goods Vehicles (LGV):

  Vehicles with MLW of up to 3,500 kg

• Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV):

  Vehicles with MLW ranging from 3,501 kg to 16,000 kg

• Very Heavy Goods Vehicles (VHGV):

  Vehicles with MLW above 16,000 kg

• Goods-cum-Passenger Vehicles (GPV):

  Vehicles with MLW of up to 5,000 kg. It can be classified as HGV or VHGV depending on MLW, as it can carry both passengers and goods

6. Avoid Harsh Braking and Acceleration

Harsh driving is one of the culprits of tyre wear down. Abrupt braking, aggressive cornering, and rapid acceleration place excessive strain on tyres, leading to uneven tread wear and a shorter lifespan. In the long run, they may cause critical damages such as car breakdowns, or even life-threatening accidents.

Here are some tips to maintain optimal braking and acceleration:

• Brake and accelerate gradually. Maintain a smooth driving approach to reduce stress on the tread.
• Turn corners with control. Take turns at a steady pace to ensure even tread distribution. Try to anticipate corners on the road as much as possible.
• Steer clear of potholes and rough roads. Hitting bumps at high speed can damage tyre structure, leading to premature wear and potential misalignment.

7. Choose Quality Tyres Suitable for Singapore’s Weather Conditions

While budget tyres may be appealing, their rapid wear and compromised safety can lead to higher long-term costs. Investing in high-quality tyres ensures enhanced control and durability, minimising the risk of blowouts or skidding. Selecting premium tyres tailored to your driving needs significantly improves comfort, extends tyre life, and provides peace of mind.

Choosing the right tyres for Singapore's roads is crucial for safety and performance. Begin by considering your typical driving conditions. For Singapore's roads, all-season or touring tyres are ideal, offering a smooth ride on highways and reliable handling in dry conditions, perfect for weekend trips to Malaysia.

Additionally, factor in your driving style. Frequent long journeys benefit from economical, high-mileage tyres, while sportier driving demands tyres with excellent cornering grip. By evaluating performance characteristics, you can find tyres that perfectly match your driving style.

Al Tyres Is Here for You

Whether you prioritise durability, grip, or fuel economy, investing in quality tyres suited to your vehicle and driving conditions ensures a smoother and safer ride. Regular maintenance, proper inflation, and timely replacements further extend tyre life and optimise performance.

If you are looking for a trusted car tyre and quality maintenance expert, AL Tyres is here to guide you through the process. Contact us today to learn more.