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Your car’s tyres are its only point of contact with the road. Yet they’re one of the most overlooked parts when it comes to regular vehicle maintenance. Tyres affect everything from handling and braking to fuel efficiency and overall safety. 

With just a bit of know-how and regular checks, you can keep your tyres in top condition, extend their lifespan, and save yourself from costly repairs or replacements down the track.

In this guide, we’ll cover practical tyre care tips, the warning signs to watch for, and when to call in the pros for a wheel alignment service.

Why Tyre Maintenance Matters


Think of your tyres like a good pair of running shoes. If they’re worn out, uneven, or poorly inflated, it won’t be long before your performance drops and injuries occur. In the case of cars, that means less traction, longer stopping distances, and higher chances of a blowout — especially on Australia’s rougher regional roads.

Beyond safety, well-maintained tyres can:

  • Improve fuel efficiency
  • Deliver smoother, more responsive handling
  • Reduce uneven wear and tear
  • Help you pass roadworthy checks

According to Goodyear Australia, tyres in good nick can improve braking by up to 25% — that’s a big deal when stopping quickly could prevent a crash.

1. Keep an Eye on Tyre Pressure

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Maintaining the right tyre pressure is one of the easiest (and most effective) things you can do. Underinflated tyres can overheat, wear out faster on the edges, and use more fuel. 

Overinflated ones can lead to poor handling and a bumpy ride.

How often should you check?

Once a month is a solid rule of thumb.Use a digital tyre pressure gauge or the pump at your local servo. Your car’s correct tyre pressure will be listed in your owner’s manual or on the sticker inside the driver’s door.

Top Tip:
Check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cold — heat from driving can skew the readings.

2. Rotate Your Tyres Regularly


Tyres don’t wear out evenly, especially if you drive a front-wheel-drive car (like most Aussies do). That’s why tyre rotation is important. It helps even out wear and prolong the life of all four tyres.

When should you rotate them?

Every 10,000km is standard, or at every second service if you’re not clocking that many kilometres. Your mechanic can easily do it as part of routine maintenance.

Bonus: It’s also a good time to have your wheels balanced and get a wheel alignment service done.

3. Don’t Ignore Wheel Alignment and Balancing


If your car pulls to one side, your steering wheel shakes at certain speeds, or your tyres are wearing unevenly, chances are your wheels are out of alignment or balance.

Wheel alignment adjusts the angles of your wheels so they’re set to your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.

Wheel balancing ensures the tyre and wheel weight is distributed evenly.

Both are crucial for safety, performance, and tyre longevity.

4. Watch the Tread


Tread depth is key to grip, especially in wet weather. Worn tyres struggle to displace water, increasing the risk of aquaplaning.

How to check your tread:

Every tyre sold in Australia has tread wear indicators - tiny bars that sit in the grooves of your tyre. If the tread is flush with these bars, it’s time for a replacement. 

You can also do the "20 cent test". Insert a 20c coin into the tread. If the tread doesn't reach the platypus' bill, your tyres may be below the legal minimum (1.5mm).

Pro tip: Always check across the whole tyre, not just the centre. Uneven wear is a sign something’s off — usually alignment or suspension-related.

5. Avoid Overloading Your Car


It’s tempting to fill the boot to the brim for a road trip or moving day, but your tyres have load limits for a reason. Overloading your vehicle puts massive pressure on your tyres, increasing the risk of a blowout.

Check your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) in the manual or on the placard inside the driver’s door. Don’t exceed it, especially if you’re towing.

6. Drive Smart


Your driving style affects how your tyres wear out. Harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and sharp cornering all contribute to faster wear.

Instead, drive smoothly, anticipate traffic flow, and avoid potholes or kerbs where possible. Not only will your tyres thank you, but your suspension and fuel tank will too.

As the saying goes, “Drive it like you own it.”

7. Don’t Forget the Spare


In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to forget about your spare tyre — until you really need it. 

Make sure it’s properly inflated and in good condition. If it’s a space-saver spare (those skinny temporary ones), remember they’re not made for long distances or high speeds.

8. Store Tyres Correctly (If You Use Seasonal Sets)


If you use different tyres for different seasons (e.g. mud terrains for camping trips or winter tyres in alpine regions), storage matters. Store tyres upright in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and petroleum-based products like oil and grease.

Avoid stacking them horizontally unless absolutely necessary — it can cause deformation over time.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Tyres


Even with the best care, tyres don’t last forever. Here’s when you should consider replacing them:

  • Tread depth is below 1.5mm
  • Tyres are older than 5–6 years (check the manufacture date on the sidewall)
  • You see cracks, bulges, or exposed cords
  • Frequent pressure loss
  • You’ve had a puncture that wasn’t repairable

Remember: your tyres are your last line of defence on the road. If in doubt, get them inspected by a qualified professional.

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A little attention goes a long way when it comes to tyre maintenance. By staying on top of pressure, alignment, rotation, and tread wear, you can avoid nasty surprises, enjoy a smoother ride, and keep your car — and everyone in it — safe on Aussie roads.

After all, when your tyres are taken care of, everything else just rolls a bit easier.