Tyre Care 101: Everything You Need to Know

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Tyre Care 101: Everything You Need to Know

Tyres are the only part of your car that touches the road, making them one of the most important safety components. Proper tyre care not only keeps you safe but also improves fuel efficiency, handling, and overall driving comfort. In Kenya, where road conditions can vary from smooth highways to rough rural roads, tyre maintenance is critical. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about tyre care.

1. Regularly Check Tyre Pressure

Correct tyre pressure ensures better grip, safety, and fuel efficiency.

  • Under-inflated tyres wear out faster and increase fuel consumption.
  • Over-inflated tyres reduce traction and may cause blowouts.

👉 Quick Tip: Check tyre pressure at least once a week and before long trips. Always use the recommended PSI from your car’s manual.

2. Inspect Tread Depth

Tyre tread provides grip and prevents skidding, especially on wet roads.

  • Worn-out treads increase the risk of accidents.
  • Use a tread depth gauge or the “coin test” to check wear.

👉 Quick Tip: Replace tyres when tread depth is less than 1.6mm (legal minimum in Kenya).

3. Rotate Your Tyres

Tyres wear unevenly depending on whether they’re on the front or rear.

  • Rotating them ensures even wear and extends tyre life.
  • Recommended every 8,000–10,000 km.

👉 Quick Tip: Ask your mechanic to rotate tyres during regular service.

4. Wheel Alignment and Balancing

Misaligned wheels cause uneven tyre wear and poor handling.

  • Wheel alignment ensures tyres meet the road correctly.
  • Balancing prevents vibrations at high speeds.

👉 Quick Tip: Get alignment and balancing checked every 6 months or after hitting potholes.

5. Watch for Visible Damage

Inspect tyres for cracks, bulges, cuts, or embedded objects.

  • Damaged tyres can suddenly burst, especially at high speeds.
  • Don’t ignore slow leaks.

👉 Quick Tip: If you notice sidewall cracks or bulges, replace the tyre immediately.

6. Don’t Forget the Spare Tyre

A flat tyre can happen anywhere, so your spare should always be ready.

  • Keep it properly inflated.
  • Check it every time you check your main tyres.

👉 Quick Tip: Store a jack and spanner in your car at all times.

7. Seasonal and Road Condition Awareness

Kenya’s weather and roads can be unpredictable.

  • Rainy seasons require extra tread depth for grip.
  • Rough rural roads may demand more frequent inspections.

👉 Quick Tip: If you drive mostly in rural or rough areas, consider stronger all-terrain tyres.

8. Driving Habits That Affect Tyres

Your driving style influences tyre life.

  • Aggressive braking, sharp cornering, and speeding wear tyres faster.
  • Smooth driving extends tyre life.

👉 Quick Tip: Drive steadily and avoid sudden movements for better tyre performance.

9. Tyre Age Matters

Even if tyres look fine, they weaken over time.

  • Rubber hardens with age, reducing grip.
  • Replace tyres every 5–6 years regardless of condition.

👉 Quick Tip: Check the manufacturing date on the tyre sidewall (DOT code).

10. Invest in Quality Tyres

Cheap tyres may save money upfront but wear out faster and are less safe.

  • Quality tyres offer better grip, comfort, and durability.
  • Match tyres to your car’s specifications.

👉 Quick Tip: Always buy from trusted dealers to avoid counterfeit tyres.

Final Thoughts

Tyre care is not just about extending tyre life—it’s about keeping you, your passengers, and other road users safe. By following these tyre care tips, you’ll enjoy smoother rides, save money on fuel, and reduce the risk of breakdowns.

👉 Pro Tip: Make tyre checks part of your weekly routine. A few minutes of inspection can save you from costly accidents and repairs.

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