Properly maintained tyres can help to give you a more comfortable ride and a longer tread life. So:

• Check your tyre pressure monthly with a tyre-pressure gauge (and make sure that the tyres are cold – at least 3 hours after driving).
• Check your tyres frequently for any cuts, snags, punctures, any other injury, or irregular tyre wear.
• At the first sign of irregular tread-wear, have your alignment checked.
• Make sure that the tyres are balanced when they are mounted on the wheels.
• Rotate your tyres following the schedule in your vehicle owner’s manual or as required by the tyre manufacturer’s warranty.

Symptom: flat tyre

Diagnostic: Tyre Damage that Requires Repair

• Most punctures of nail holes or cuts up to 6mm confined to the tread may be repaired by a tyre professional using industry-approved procedures.
• An on-the-wheel plug-only repair is not reliable and is dangerous because after a puncture the inside of a tyre must be inspected.

Solution:

• The proper repair of a radial tyre (most tyres) includes the placing of a rubber patch on the inner liner of the tyre and a rubber filling of the hole.
• Do not attempt to repair tyres with tread punctures larger than 6mm or any sidewall puncture. Also, do not have tyres repaired that are worn below 2/32 tread depth.
• Replace your damaged tyre with a spare tyre – but first be sure to check the spare tyre’s sidewall for the correct inflation pressure, speed and mileage limitations. Take your vehicle for an inspection to a tyre professional.

Symptom: soft tyres

Diagnostic: Under inflation

• Reduces tread life through increased tread wear on the outside edges (or shoulders) of the tyre
• Generates excessive heat, which reduces tyre durability and can lead to tyre failure
• Reduces fuel economy through increased rolling resistance

Solution:

Add air to your tyre until it reaches the proper air pressure (psi: as measured by an air pressure gauge).

To find the proper air pressure, consult your vehicle owner’s manual or find your recommended psi on the sticker on your door.

Symptom: Wear on Both Edges

Diagnostic: Under-inflation

• Reduces tread life through increased tread wear on the outside edges (or shoulders) of the tyre
• Generates excessive heat, which reduces tyre durability and can lead to tyre failure
• Reduces fuel economy through increased rolling resistance

Solution:

Add air to your tyre until it reaches the proper air pressure (psi: as measured by an air pressure gauge).

To find the proper air pressure, consult your vehicle owner’s manual or find your recommended psi on the sticker on your door.