How to make your tires last longer
By treating your tires in the right way you can not only make them last longer but you can do your bit for the environment, too.
These simple steps from Goodyear will make your existing tires last longer, which will use fewer natural resources and generate less waste. This is great news for the environment but you will also save you money in running costs.
Check tire pressures
An easy check is to regularly monitor tire pressures. Tires lose pressure over time, and under-inflation can cause tire damage. Many vehicles are now fitted with electronic tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), but tire pressures should still be checked manually with a pressure gauge. Pressure values are usually found in a vehicle's handbook. Tire pressures should be checked at least once a month or ahead of fully laden journeys. Markings for load and speed ratings are molded on the tire's sidewall.
Inspect tire tread
Check the tire treads visually on a similar timescale. Look at the bars in-between the treads themselves as well as the center or outside edges for obvious signs of wear and any embedded objects.
Rotate your tires
Rotating tires could be another way to ensure your tires last longer1. Tires fitted at the front of a vehicle usually wear differently than those on the rear, but by changing their position – from front to rear and vice versa – tire life can be extended. Rotation periods vary, but if you frequently drive at high speed or undertake long or fully laden journeys, more regular rotations are recommended. Uneven tire tread wear also indicates a need for rotation.
Balance and align your tires
Uneven wear may also signal a more serious wheel alignment or tire balancing issue. Correct wheel alignment makes tires last longer, and you will need to inspect your tires if your vehicle pulls to either side, or the steering wheel is not centered when driving straight or vibrates. If not corrected, the uneven tire wear caused will jeopardize the tires' effectiveness.
Switch tires for the seasons
If you want your tires to stay in good condition for longer, consider fitting appropriate tires for the season2. As they are beneficial from 7°c, a switch to winter tires in colder temperatures is useful. The different chemical make-up gives better grip and traction at lower temperatures enhancing vehicle safety. However, they will also wear out faster if they are used on hot surfaces, so swap to summer tires when temperatures rise again.
Buy tires that take you further
The correct tires with the latest technology can take you further and last longer. The new Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 tires enjoy enhanced performance but help the environment by lasting longer. The Efficient Grip Performance 2 gives at least 20% more mileage life than the next best-tested competitor3, resulting in longer life as well as reduced costs.
Improve your driving habits
Good driving habits also lessen the need for frequent purchases of new tires. A smooth and gentle driving style, avoiding road surface imperfections will benefit tire life and ensure they give their best performance. Hard acceleration and braking, or aggressive driving over speed bumps and potholes will damage your tires.
Recycle or reuse
In Europe every year, more than 3 million tons of end-of-life tires are collected to be recycled or reused. So when the need for new tires does arise, dispose of your old tires responsibly and give them the opportunity for a second life.
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[1] Rotation of tires may not be suitable for all tires or vehicle types.
[2] In some countries regulations may require fitting of winter tires.
[3] 20%/11,000km higher mileage than next-best tested competitor. Mileage (i.e. until the legal tread wear limit is reached) compared to the four latest designs from competitors in summer HP segment (Michelin Primacy 4, Continental PremiumContact 6, Bridgestone Turanza T005, Pirelli Cinturato P7 Blue). Tested by TÜV SÜD Product Service GmbH in November 2019 by order of Goodyear. Tire size tested: 205/55R16 91V; Test car: VW Golf Mk7; Test location: open roads in central Germany. Report number: 713171748. Full report available at: https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/consumer/tire-test-reports/tire-test-reports-summer.html.