Top 5 tyre tips for your summer road trips

By Emma Lucey 9 December 2024

Keep your tyres in top condition and they’ll go the distance, saving you time and money in the long run. If you have a road trip on the cards this holiday season, follow these top tips to extend the life of your tyres and support more sustainable outcomes.

Australia is an incredible country for a road trip. With an amazing diversity of landscapes to explore from beautiful coastlines to rainforests to rugged bush, there really is something for everyone. 

If you’re planning on packing up the car and hitting the road this holiday season, preparation is key to ensuring a successful trip. Follow our top tips to guarantee your tyres are prepped and ready for a good time, just like you! 

1. Pressure 

While it’s a good habit to check your tyre pressure monthly, it’s essential before heading off on long trips. Under or over-inflating your tyres can cause uneven tyre wear, leading to problems such as increased fuel consumption, heavy handling, and even tyre blow-outs. For best results, check the manufacturer’s recommended pressure on the driver's side door frame or in your car's manual, and ensure all tyres are inflated properly. It’s a small task that makes a big difference.   

2. Alignment 

Driving over a pothole or bumping into a kerb might not seem like a big deal, but it can throw your tyre alignment out of whack. Misaligned tyres can cause uneven wear and can also affect your car’s suspension, steering, and overall handling. Regular alignment checks can help avoid these issues, saving you from costly repairs and ensuring your car stays in top shape for longer.   

3. Rotation 

Did you know that your front tyres can wear out faster than your rear tyres? Tyre Stewardship Australia recommend getting your tyres rotated after driving 8,000 to 12,000kms to ensure even wear across all four. Regular rotation makes the tread last longer, saving you from having to replace tyres prematurely.   

4. Balance 

A regular tyre balance keeps the weight evenly distributed across all tyres. When your tyres are out of balance, it can cause vibrations, uneven wear, and reduce control on the road. If neglected, you may find yourself needing to replace not only the tyres but also shock absorbers, struts, or even the steering.    

5. Tread 

Your tyre tread is critical for grip and safety, especially in wet conditions. To check if your tyres need replacing, look for the treadwear bars – small, raised pieces of hard rubber built into the tread. If these bars are visible, it's time to invest in a new set of tyres.    

Recycling the tyres on your vehicle   

Tyres should never be put in your household recycling bin. When replacing tyres, ensure your old ones are managed responsibly. Make sure your mechanic, retailer, or dealership is accredited with Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA). Use TSA’s directory of tyre retailers to find businesses that are accredited through the national Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme.  

With these tyre tips, you’ll not only make your summer road trip smoother and safer but also help your tyres go the distance. Safe travels and happy driving!