Tread carefully: When and how to replace your car tyres

The right car insurance policy can make driving on the roads more peaceful. Just like all-around coverage from Zurich Kotak Car Insurance, regular maintenance of your car and its parts is also essential. For a car, the right tyres are vital for its performance, safety, and fuel efficiency. They provide traction for braking and cornering, ensuring road grip and stability.

Sadly, few car owners know when and how to replace their tyres. Here’s a quick tyre replacement guide that lists the key indicators. Take a look:

1. Tread depth
   One of the most visible indicators is the tyre tread. Tyres start losing their tread the moment they come on the road. In most passenger cars, the ideal tread is 1mm. If your car tyres are below this threshold, it is time for a replacement.
   

2. Age of the tyres
   If your car tyres are more than 5 to 6 years old, consider replacing them, even if they do not look worn out.
   

3. Decrease in fuel efficiency
   There is an increase in rolling resistance that can be because of worn-out tyres. If there is no other reason for dropping mileage, make sure to check the tyres.
   

4. Reduced efficiency in braking
   As a driver, you can easily notice if your car is not as responsive as it was earlier. When it comes to braking, slow responses can either be because of worn-out brake pads or old/ damaged tyres. Driving with such tyres can be risky.
   

5. Frequent punctures
   The risk of punctures comes with all tyres. However, if your car tyres have the habit of puncturing every few weeks, it may be time to change them.
   

6. Accidental damage
   If your car was involved in an accident where the tyres suffered damage, it is highly recommended that you consider changing them as early as possible.
   

Tyre maintenance tips

Want long-lasting and safe tyres? Follow these easy and valuable tyre maintenance tips.

1. A stitch in time saves nine. At least once a month, inspect your tyres and look for cracks or tears. Mend them before they open up.

2. Maintain the proper inflation pressure so that your tyres can offer the best performance, safety and mileage.

3. Another tyre maintenance tip is to maintain tyre uniformity. Avoid going for different types of tyres and prefer what is recommended by the car company.

4. Avoid spinning your car tyres too much, especially when they are stuck in mud, sand or ice.

5. Invest in good tyres. Avoid the temptation to save a few thousand, and do not go for cheap or sub-standard tyres. It can be a costly mistake.

6. Tyre rotation can be a useful tyre maintenance tip as it allows a uniform wearing out of the tyres.

Conclusion

Proper tyres suited to the vehicle and driving conditions can significantly enhance handling and prevent accidents. This makes tyres a critical component of automotive safety and efficiency. Here’s hoping that this tyre replacement guide can help you and your car. For better coverage and safety options, you can go through the Zurich Kotak Car Insurance policies and choose the best one.

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