 Check
the air pressure of every tyre at least every fortnight. Incorrect tyre
pressure can lead to the inside of the tyre being damaged, resulting
in tyre problems or even a blowout.- Tyres
must be inflated to specified pressures, which refers to cold tyres.
The pressure inside warm tyres - driving causes heat build up - is naturally
higher and must never be reduced as on cooling, their pressure could
fall below the minimum tyre pressure.
- Incorrect
tyre pressure causes premature and uneven tyre wear. Underinflated tyres
have a higher rolling resistance which means higher fuel consumption.
 If
a tyre is visibly damaged (i.e. has a fracture or a cut that exposes
the carcass) or has an unusual wear pattern, the tyre must be taken
off and examined as quickly as possible by a tyre expert.- Driving
over kerbstones or over a potholed road may cause internal damage to
tyres, leading to a failure at high speeds.
- Check
tyres regularly for damage from stones, nails, etc. that have penetrated
the tyre tread. Also check if there are any bulges or cuts on the sidewall.
 Rotate
the tyres at regular intervals (every 3000km - 5000km), to prolong tyre
life.- For virtually
all vehicles, rotating the tyres from one axle to the other is permitted.
In certain cases changing them crosswise/diagonally can also be advantageous,
so as to reverse their sense of rotation. This does not apply to directional
tyres. It is advisable to get the balance also checked at a 10,000km
interval.
- Harsh
acceleration, braking with locked wheels and fast steering movements
shorten the service life of tyres. Sudden vibration of the steering
wheel could point to tyre damage, such as severe scuffling along the
kerb, or off-road driving over rough surfaces.
- Tread
damage or cuts that extend to the breaker, belt or beyond must be repaired
by the hot vulcanisation process. Repairs using cold or temporary repairs
are used as emergency means to take you home and should be rectified
immediately without any delay.
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June 2002
