How to Keep Your Tyres in Good Condition Year-Round

Tyres are one of the most important parts of any vehicle. They are the only point of contact between the car and the road, which means their condition affects safety, fuel use, and how the car handles. No matter the time of year, keeping your tyres in good shape is not only about staying safe—it also helps your vehicle run better for longer.


This guide explains how to care for your tyres across every season in Australia. From checking pressure to spotting wear and tear, each section includes useful tips and facts to help drivers look after their tyres properly.

Why Tyre Care Is Important

Tyres affect more than just how smooth a drive feels. They play a key role in braking, turning, and driving in wet or dry conditions. When tyres are worn or not cared for, they can become dangerous, especially at high speeds or in poor weather.

• Worn tyres are one of the main causes of car crashes linked to mechanical issues.
• Driving on tyres with low tread depth increases the chance of losing control in wet conditions.
• Tyres in good condition can improve fuel use by up to 4%.

Looking after your tyres is part of good car maintenance. It does not take much time or effort, but it can make a big difference in how safe and steady your car feels.

Check Tyre Pressure Often

Keeping tyre pressure at the right level is one of the most basic and important parts of tyre care. Tyres that are over or under-inflated can wear out faster and cause poor handling or longer braking distances.

• Use a tyre pressure gauge at least once a month.
• Always check pressure when tyres are cold (before driving).
• The correct pressure is listed on a sticker in the driver’s door frame or in the owner's manual.

Too much pressure makes the tyre too firm, which can cause the centre of the tread to wear out faster. Too little pressure makes the edges wear out quickly and can cause the tyre to overheat.

Keep an Eye on Tread Depth

Tread depth is the space between the ridges on a tyre. This gap helps tyres grip the road, especially when it is wet. In Australia, the legal tread depth is at least 1.5 millimetres across the whole tyre.

• Use a tread depth gauge.
• Insert a 20-cent coin into the tread. If the tread does not reach the bill of the platypus, the tyre may be too worn.
• Look for tread wear bars inside the grooves. If they are flush with the tread, it is time for a new tyre.

Worn treads mean less grip, which leads to longer stopping times and a higher risk of sliding in rain.

Rotate Your Tyres Regularly

Tyres wear down at different rates depending on their position on the vehicle. For example, front tyres carry more weight and wear faster in most cars. Rotating tyres helps them wear evenly.

• Rotate every 10,000 kilometres or every six months, whichever comes first.
• Check the vehicle’s manual for the suggested rotation pattern.

Rotating tyres extends their life, improves handling, and keeps the tread even on all four wheels.

Check for Damage and Foreign Objects

A quick check can stop a small issue from becoming a big one. Tyres can get small cuts, bulges, or nails stuck in them. These can lead to sudden failure if not fixed early.

• Cracks or splits on the sidewalls.
• Bulges, which may point to internal damage.
• Sharp objects stuck in the tread.
• Uneven wear, which may signal alignment issues.

If you notice any of these signs, visit a tyre shop or mechanic as soon as possible.

Align and Balance Your Wheels

Wheel alignment refers to how the tyres sit on the car and contact the road. If alignment is off, tyres can wear out faster and make the car harder to steer.

• Car pulls to one side when driving.
• Steering wheel shakes or feels loose.
• Tyres wear unevenly.

Wheel balancing makes sure the weight is spread evenly around each tyre and wheel. This helps prevent vibrations at high speeds.

Both alignment and balancing should be done:

• After hitting a large pothole.
• When replacing tyres.
• Every 12 months as part of regular service.

Care Tips for Hot and Cold Seasons

Australia’s weather changes from hot summers to cold winters depending on where you live. These changes can affect tyre pressure and wear.

Summer care tips:

• Heat causes air to expand, which raises tyre pressure.
• Check pressure often, especially before long trips.
• Hot roads can speed up tread wear.

Winter care tips:

• Cold air lowers tyre pressure, which makes tyres soft.
• Check for cracks in the rubber caused by cold and dry air.
• Keep tyres inflated to the right pressure to avoid poor grip.

Replace Tyres When Needed

No matter how well tyres are looked after, they wear out over time. Most tyres last between 40,000 and 80,000 kilometres. If tyres are more than six years old, they may start to break down, even if the tread looks fine.

Check the age of your tyres:

• Look at the DOT code on the tyre sidewall.
• The last four numbers show the week and year the tyre was made (e.g., 2319 means week 23 of 2019).

Old rubber can become hard and lose grip, which makes driving less safe.

Tyre Disposal and Environmental Care

Old tyres should not be thrown away with general rubbish. In Australia, it is illegal to dump tyres, and doing so can lead to fines. Many tyre shops will take old tyres for recycling.

Recycled tyres are used for road surfaces, sports grounds, and building materials. This helps reduce waste and supports cleaner roads and cities.

Where to Go When Tyres Are Worn or Damaged

When tyres reach the end of their life, they should be replaced as soon as possible. Many car owners in Brisbane and nearby areas choose to get rid of their old vehicles when tyres and other parts start wearing out. In such cases, services like Cash for Car Brisbane can help remove the vehicle while offering a payment in return. This option is often picked when the cost of fixing tyres and other problems is more than what the car is worth. It is also a simple way to make space and hand the car over to people who recycle and reuse its parts properly.

Final Thoughts

Tyres are easy to overlook, but they affect nearly every part of how a car drives. By checking pressure, watching tread wear, and rotating tyres often, drivers can stay safe and save money. With a little care and regular checks, tyres can last longer and keep the vehicle running as it should, year after year.