Keeping your Tyres healthy can save you money: Here’s How

October is Tyre Safety Month, and Swansway Motor Group are using the opportunity to educate drivers on how to keep their tyres in good condition, potentially saving them some money in the process. The list below provides ten ways in which keeping your tyres healthy can save you money in the long run.

1.       Save Fuel

Underinflated tyres can cost drivers a lot in fuel consumption. TyreSafe have found that when tyres are just 6psi lower than the recommended pressure, this leads to a 3% increase in fuel consumption, costing British drivers over £600million a year. Properly inflated tyres experience reduced rolling resistance, which means the car requires less effort to move them.

2.       Get more out of your tyres.

Well-kept tyres require replacing less frequently. Underinflated tyres experience a 10% increase in wear, so it is important to regularly check tyre pressure to avoid unnecessary spending.

3.       Avoid flat tyres, punctures, and blowouts.

Well maintained tyres are less likely to suffer punctures or become flat. Prevention is the best form of protection, so make sure to regularly check tyres for faults and avoid paying the price.

4.       Good tyres reduce the chance of an accident

Well-inflated tyres with a strong tread-depth provide more traction which reduces the risk of an accident. The table below shows how tyre-tread impacts stopping distance.

5.       Reduce Maintenance Costs

If tyres are not in good condition this can place additional strain on other components such as brakes and suspension. Keeping tyres in good shape will help prevent damage.

6.       Avoid Fines

You can be charged up to £2500 per tyre for every tyre on your vehicle which is not in legal condition. The minimum legal tread is 1.6mm so make sure to check your tyres are roadworthy to avoid an expensive mistake.

7.       Good tyres improve resale value

When you come to sell your car, well-kept tyres will increase resale value. Not only will the tyres alone protect the cars value, but tip-top tyres will prevent strain on other components of your car helping them uphold value too.

8.       Reduce Emissions

Because properly inflated tyres improve fuel economy, they also reduce emissions. This could save you money on emissions fees, or fines in certain regions.

9.       Minimized Vehicle Damage

Tyres cushion your vehicle from road impacts, reducing wear and tear and the risk of cosmetic damage to wheels. Properly inflated tyres with the correct pressure act as a far better protection than tyres which have not been well-maintained.

10.   Tyre Insurance/ Warranty Plans

If you’re on a tyre plan you can get the most bang for your buck by maintaining your tyres and regularly checking them. Rather than waste a claim, taking care of your tyres means you will ensure you get the most out of the plan.

Not only will keeping your tyres in good shape save you money, but well-kept tyres provide a safer, smoother drive, getting the best out of your vehicle. Make sure to check your tyre tread and pressure at least once a month, using a reliable gauge. If you want to know what condition your tyres are in, Swansway are offering a free Tyre Health Check at their Blackburn Audi, Preston Audi and Volkswagen Van Centre Lancashire retailers, helping you to avoid unnecessary costs.