Tips for helping your tyres through winter and beyond

Check tyres now so you're not stuck on the side of the road in the rain. Photo / File.

Winter road conditions take their toll on your tyres, so it pays to give them extra attention as they are what keeps your car on the road - literally.

The tread should be 1.5mm deep and you should check pressure weekly. Here are more Consumer NZ tips on making your tyres last:

Tyre pressure

A 20 per cent drop in pressure (from 26psi to 21psi) increases the rate of wear by 20 per cent. Severe over-inflation also causes wear, but a 10 per cent increase has a minor effect. Tyres under-inflated by around 20 per cent increase a car's fuel consumption by 8 per cent. Under-inflated tyres also have an unstable hold on the road. And if your tyre pressures are uneven, you could end up out of control on a corner.

Keep the pressures at the manufacturer's recommended levels, and remember to adjust upwards for heavy loads or prolonged high-speed driving. You should be able to find the manufacturer's recommendations in your car's handbook, or on a sticker that's often on or near the driver's door. Or ask your car dealer or a tyre company.

Buy your own gauge, as petrol station gauges are often inaccurate. And don't forget to check the spare.

Run straight

Have the wheels balanced and aligned when you fit new tyres. Have the alignment checked if you have a severe impact with a kerb, large pothole or rock, or notice wear when you check your tyre pressure. Go gently through bends and avoid heavy braking.

Rotate

It's normal for front-wheel-drive cars to wear the front tyres more rapidly. Rotate the tyres every 10,000km to even out the wear. If your tyres are wearing rapidly or unevenly, or if the steering pulls to the side, have the wheel balance and alignment checked.

Given good operating conditions, regular rotation and a conservative driving style, a set of new premium steel-belt radials should last for 50,000km or more (less for urban use).