Maintaining Your Tyres

Maintaining the condition of your vehicle's tyres is crucial for your safety, overall vehicle performance and fuel efficiency. Your tyres are the only part of your vehicle that makes contact with the road. It is important to have a good understanding of the characteristics of your tyres to properly maintain them.

Noted Tyre Characteristics

Speed ratings

A tyre's speed rating indicates the maximum speed it can handle. A higher rating equals better control at high speeds. Speed ratings range from A to Z, varying from 5km/h to above 300 km/h.

Load index

Each tyre has a load rating marked on its sidewall, indicating the maximum weight it can carry. The higher the load index, the more weight it can bear. Check a conversion table to determine the weight each rating represents in kilograms. It's crucial to choose a tyre with a suitable load rating for your vehicle to ensure a safe driving experience.

Original Equipment markings

Tyre markings indicate that the tyre was approved by the vehicle manufacturer. OE markings are specific to the car model. They can differ in handling, comfort, and noise. The "MO" marking is for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Recommended Tyre Pressure

When checking your tyre pressure, it is essential to keep the following in mind:

1. You'll get a more precise reading by checking tyre pressure when they are cold.
2. Consult your vehicle handbook or the decal on the driver or passenger's door for the recommended tyre pressure for the front and rear.
3. It is important to use a reliable tyre pressure gauge whether at home or a petrol station.
4. Take a reading of each tyre's pressure and compare it with the information provided in the vehicle handbook.
5. In the case that your vehicle does not have a pressure monitoring system, it's highly recommended to purchase a pressure monitoring kit to check your pressure electronically.

More Tips for Tyre Maintenance

1. Check your tyre tread depth – The tread depth of a brand-new tyre is between 8-9mm. This will naturally deplete over time. Ideally, your tread depth should not be below 3mm before replacing it.
2. Check your tyres for damage – Even a brand-new tyre cannot safeguard you from some of the hazardous items on the road. Always be sure to check for any cracks, objects that may be piercing your tyre or any other damage like skids or tears.
3. Have your wheel alignment checked – You should be taking your car into a fitment centre for wheel alignment every 10 000kms. This helps extend the longevity of your tyres.

Don’t ignore the bumps in the road – If your tyres hit a large pothole, or receive any other type of large impact, go have your tyres checked. Even if the damage is not visible on the outside, there may be internal damage that could be problematic in future.