Tyres are one of the biggest running costs for any vehicle — but most drivers replace them far too early simply because they don’t know how to look after them. The good news? A few simple habits can add thousands of miles to your tyre life.
1. Keep Tyre Pressure Correct
Under-inflated tyres wear faster on the outer edges and use more fuel. Over-inflated tyres wear through the centre. Check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before any long journey. You’ll find the correct pressure on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in your owner’s manual — not on the tyre itself.
2. Rotate Your Tyres Regularly
Front tyres wear faster than rear tyres because they handle steering and most braking on front-wheel-drive cars. Rotating tyres every 5,000–8,000 miles ensures even wear across all four. Ask your garage or tyre fitter to rotate when you get a service.
3. Check Wheel Alignment
If your car pulls to one side or your steering wheel isn’t straight on a level road, your wheels are likely misaligned. Poor alignment causes rapid, uneven wear — often on one edge of a tyre. A wheel alignment check costs around £40 and pays for itself many times over.
4. Avoid Harsh Braking and Fast Cornering
Aggressive driving destroys tyres. Hard braking generates heat and friction that strips rubber off your tyres. Fast cornering creates lateral scrubbing. Smooth, progressive inputs are kinder to your tyres — and your fuel bill.
5. Don’t Overload Your Vehicle
Every tyre has a load rating. Exceeding it causes excessive heat build-up and structural damage. If you regularly carry heavy loads, check your tyre’s load index and ensure your inflation pressure is correct for the load.
6. Inspect Tyres Monthly
A quick visual check once a month takes two minutes. Look for cuts, bulges, embedded objects and uneven wear patterns. Catching problems early prevents blowouts and keeps repair costs low.
7. Store Spare Tyres Correctly
If you rotate a spare in, or store seasonal tyres, keep them out of direct sunlight and away from ozone sources (electric motors, welding equipment). UV and ozone cause rubber to crack and perish even when the tyre isn’t in use.
When to Call a Mobile Tyre Fitter
If you notice uneven wear, a slow puncture, or visible damage, don’t wait. A mobile tyre fitter comes to your home, workplace or roadside — no need to drive on a damaged tyre. In North Wales, Logistic Move operates 24/7 across the region.