The Kiwi Guide to Tyre Maintenance: Keep Your Wheels Rolling Smoothly

New Zealand roads aren’t exactly forgiving. One minute, you’re cruising on smooth asphalt; the next, you’re dodging potholes. Add in the endless roadworks, gravel backroads, and the occasional rogue sheep, and suddenly, tyre maintenance isn’t just a good idea, it’s a survival skill.

If you’ve ever found yourself gripping the steering wheel a little tighter in the rain, wondering if your tyres have enough tread left to keep you out of a ditch, this guide is for you. Proper tyre care can mean the difference between a safe journey and an unwanted roadside adventure.

 

The Importance of Tyre Pressure

Tyre pressure is one of those things we all mean to check but somehow never do until it’s too late. Driving with incorrect tyre pressure isn’t just bad for fuel economy (and your wallet); it also affects your car’s handling, braking, and overall safety.

Here’s the deal:

• Under-inflated tyres make your car sluggish, chew through fuel faster, and wear out unevenly.
• Over-inflated tyres? Say hello to reduced grip and an increased chance of skidding when you least expect it.
• Your ideal pressure? Check the sticker inside your car door or the owner’s manual—no guesswork needed.
• Bonus tip: Some cars have a tyre pressure monitoring system, click here to check if yours is one of them!

Set yourself a reminder to check your tyre pressure every couple of weeks, preferably before long road trips (or before your mate makes fun of you for driving with a flat).

 

Why You Shouldn’t Underestimate Tread Depth

Tyres need tread; it’s what keeps you glued to the road, especially in the rain. The legal minimum in New Zealand is 1.5mm, but honestly, waiting until your tyres are that worn is like waiting until your phone is at 1% before charging it. Technically possible? Yes. Smart? Not at all.

A simple trick: take a 20-cent coin and slot it into your tyre tread. If the entire number ‘20’ is visible, your tread is too low, and it’s time for new tyres. No excuses, unless you enjoy hydroplaning.

 

Keeping on Top of Rotation and Wheel Alignment

Your front tyres do a lot more work than the back ones, especially if you’re driving a front-wheel-drive car. That means they wear out faster. Rotating them every 10,000km or so helps distribute the wear evenly, making them last longer.

Then there’s wheel alignment. If your car pulls to one side or your steering wheel is wonky when driving straight, your alignment’s probably out. And that’s not just an annoyance; it can wear your tyres unevenly and make driving feel like a constant battle. A quick check-up at your local tyre shop (like, say, Drury Tires) can sort it out before it turns into a bigger problem.

 

Storage Matters: Where Do You Keep Your Spare?

If you’re the kind of person who just tosses their spare tyre in the garage and forgets about it, we need to talk. Tyres don’t like extreme temperatures or moisture, and leaving them lying around can cause them to deteriorate faster than you’d think.

Best practices:

• Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep them upright instead of stacked to prevent deformation.
• If you’re swapping out seasonal tyres, make sure they’re clean and dry before storage.
• Basically, treat your spare tyres like a good bottle of wine—store them properly, and they’ll be ready when you need them.

 

Knowing When to Say Goodbye

We get it, tyres aren’t cheap. But holding onto old, worn-out ones to “get a bit more life out of them” is a false economy. Bad tyres can cost you more in fuel, repairs, and (worst case) an accident.

Some clear signs it’s time for a new set:

• The tread depth is below 3mm (even though the legal limit is 1.5mm, why push it?).
• You notice cracks, bulges, or uneven wear.
• Your car feels different—slipping more in the wet, vibrating at high speeds, or pulling to one side.
• When in doubt, get them checked. And if you need new ones, Drury Tires has you covered with top-notch options for every kind of driver.

 

Take Care of Your Tyres, and They’ll Take Care of You

Tyre maintenance isn’t rocket science, but it does require a bit of effort. A quick pressure check, a look at the tread, and the occasional visit to your local tyre shop can make a world of difference in how your car handles and how safe you are on the road.

New Zealand roads might throw some surprises your way, but with well-maintained tyres, you’ll be ready for anything. And if you need expert advice, a tyre check, or a brand-new set, Drury Tires is just a call away.