Question 1

How do I know when my tyres need replacing?

Accepted Answer

Signs your tyres may need replacing include worn tread, cracks, bulges, uneven wear, or if the tread depth is below New Zealand's legal minimum of 1.5mm. We recommend replacing them before they become unsafe.

Question 2

Where do I find the tyre size and other information?

Accepted Answer

All tyre information is usually found on the side wall of you tyre. Here you should find: your tyre size – look for a sequence of numbers and letters that reads like “225.45R17”; the load and speed rating – it will follow the tyre size like “94V”; the brand and model of the tyre; the maximum pressure of inflation; and style of tread the tyre is – e.g. asymmetric tyres will have the word inside and outside and directional tyres usually have an arrow to show which way the tyre should rotate). The tyre will also have letters or symbols to say if it is a run flat tyre or not.

Question 3

What should my tyre pressure be?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the vehicle, and whether you tow or carry heavy loads. The tyre pressure for most common cars including SUVs, people movers and personal utes, should be between 36psi and 40psi. Commercial vans (i.e. couriers) should be between 45psi and 50 psi. Electric cars should be 40psi due to the weight of the battery.

Question 4

How often should I replace my tyres?

Accepted Answer

There's no fixed timeframe, as tyre life depends on driving habits, road conditions and maintenance. Most tyres last between 40,000 and 80,000 kilometres.

Question 5

How often should I get a rotation?

Accepted Answer

Between 10,000 and 15,000km after new tyres have been fitted, or when you find the front tyres are starting to have less tread than the rear tyres. At least once a year is a good way to keep track.

Question 6

How often do I need a wheel alignment?

Accepted Answer

Every 20,000 to 25,000km, or if you start to see the tyres wearing uneven, wearing on one edge, if the car starts pulling to the left or right, or if you have hit a curb or pothole hard and the vehicle drives differently afterwards.

Question 7

What could be causing my car to shake?

Accepted Answer

Many things can cause a car to shake. The main reasons are; tyre imbalance; uneven wear; tyre separation; an out of round or bulging tyre; flat spotting; and warped break rotors. In most cases you will start to feel a shake as the car reaches between 50-100km/h. If you feel shaking through the steering wheel, it is generally the front wheels, while if you feel shaking through the body or base of the driver’s seat, it is in the rear. If you find you only get a shake or shudder under breaking, it is generally caused by the warped front brake rotors.

Question 8

Why are my tyres wearing unevenly?

Accepted Answer

Uneven wear is often caused by incorrect tyre pressure, poor wheel alignment, suspension issues or a lack of tyre rotation.

Question 9

Can worn tyres affect fuel economy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Incorrect tyre pressure and worn tyres can increase rolling resistance, causing your vehicle to use more fuel.

TAURANGA
TYRE & BATTERY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I know when my tyres need replacing?

Where do I find the tyre size and other information?

What should my tyre pressure be?

How often should I replace my tyres?

How often should I get a rotation?

How often do I need a wheel alignment?

What could be causing my car to shake?

Why are my tyres wearing unevenly?

Can worn tyres affect fuel economy?

TAURANGA TYRE & BATTERY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I know when my tyres need replacing?

Where do I find the tyre size and other information?

What should my tyre pressure be?

How often should I replace my tyres?

How often should I get a rotation?

How often do I need a wheel alignment?

What could be causing my car to shake?

Why are my tyres wearing unevenly?

Can worn tyres affect fuel economy?

TAURANGA
TYRE & BATTERY