Tyre rules to live by

Tyres provide the only contact between your car and the road. If you think they’re not important, you’re treading on thin ice.

When it comes to safety, it is vital your car is fitted with serviceable, quality tyres which are inflated correctly and inspected regularly.

At motorsport events, tyre performance is discussed endlessly, but for cars driven on the road, the menu for discussion points would see tyres a long way down the list, behind the likes of infotainment systems, wireless hotspots, mobile phone connectivity and even rear seat air-vents.

But if you’re serious about safety, tyres should be high on your ‘to-do’ list.

We asked Michelin’s Product Marketing Manager, Peter Heatley, to answer a few simple tyre questions which were all supplied by motoring.com.au readers.

motoring.com.au: How long will my tyres last?
Peter Heatley: Tyre life will vary from brand to brand and is subject to a number of variables. These include tyre pressure, driving style, climatic conditions, mechanical condition, road surface and usage etc

Do more expensive tyres last longer?
PH: Again, tyres vary in terms of performance, price and brand. Generally [in terms of mileage] you get what you pay for

Do I have to replace all four tyres at once? If not do I put them front or back?
PH: Any tyre with a tread depth less than 1.6mm should be replaced, regardless of its position. It’s also advisable to rotate your tyres regularly as per manufacturers’ recommendations. If you are replacing only two tyres, the new tyres should always be fitted to the rear.

When it comes to pressures, more or less?
PH: For road use, it is advisable to follow vehicle manufacturers’ recommended pressures. These can be found on a placard usually on the inside of a front door or in the owner’s manual. Tyre pressures may require adjustment depending on the terrain for off road conditions [Ed: and depending on load, speed, towing, etc on-road.].

I’ve purchased a car with mismatched tyres, they’re legal but should I swap them?
PH: This depends on the intended application and purpose of the vehicle. Ideally all four tyres on the vehicle should reflect the tyre options on the vehicle tyre placard. Some vehicles require specific fitments due to different size front to rear (asymmetric or split fitment).

Can I repair a tubeless tyre? Or put a tube in it?
PH: It depends on the severity of the damage. A tyre can only be repaired by a tyre professional. He or she will conduct an internal and external examination of the tyre to determine if it is within repair limits and suitable to repair. In that case the repair should be performed using the appropriate mushroom plugs and patches.

Do I have to fit the same brand of tyre when time comes to replace them?
PH: This again depends on the intended application and purpose of the vehicle. Ideally, all four tyres on the vehicle should be the same tread design, size and profile. Some vehicles require specific fitments in terms of vehicle design, tyre rotation and tyre size front to rear

What sort of tyre should I fit to my SUV?
PH: The intended purpose of the vehicle needs to be considered and manufacturers’ recommendations adhered to. There is a choice of on-road, off-road and general application tyres suitable for all SUVs, crossovers and soft roaders. [Ed: some SUVs are not designed to accommodate heavy-duty off-road tyres].