Driving Habits that are Killing Your Tyres

Car tyres aren’t cheap, so it makes sense to take care of them. While regular maintenance like checking tyre pressure and scheduling regular tyre rotation can help extend their life, your driving habits play a huge role in how quickly they wear out. Even with quality tyres, bad driving habits can lead to uneven tyre wear, reduced vehicle performance, and safety risks. Neglecting these factors can result in costly replacements and affect your vehicle’s overall efficiency.

To help you get the most out of your tyres and improve both your safety and your car’s efficiency, here are the top driving habits that damage tyres and how to avoid them.

Quick Answer: Hard braking, aggressive driving, improper tyre pressure, overloading, and ignoring tyre rotation can cause premature tyre wear. Regular maintenance and smooth driving habits will extend tyre life and improve safety.

1. Hard Braking and Aggressive Driving

If you frequently slam on the brakes or drive aggressively, you’re putting unnecessary stress on your tyres. Hard braking causes rapid tread wear and can lead to uneven tread wear patterns, reducing your tyres’ lifespan. Aggressive driving, such as sudden acceleration and sharp turns, also increases friction and heat buildup, wearing out your tyres faster. This can cause irregular tyre wear, compromising both your safety and vehicle performance.

How to fix it:

Maintain a safe following distance to avoid sudden stops.
Drive smoothly, accelerating and braking gradually.
Be mindful of road conditions and adjust your speed accordingly to prevent premature tyres wear.

2. Driving with Incorrect Tyre Pressure

Underinflated tyres create excessive rolling resistance, which generates heat and wears down the tread faster. Overinflated tyres, on the other hand, reduce contact with the road, leading to uneven wear patterns and poor grip. Both scenarios can impact your vehicle’s handling and fuel supply efficiency. Additionally, incorrect tyre pressure affects your steering system, making it harder to maintain control.

How to fix it:

Check your tyre pressure regularly, at least once a month.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure, usually found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door.
Inflate or deflate your tyres as needed to maintain optimal pressure and improve vehicle performance.

3. Taking Corners Too Fast

Sharply turning the steering wheel while taking corners at high speed puts excessive strain on your front tyres, causing them to wear unevenly. This habit also affects your steering system, making it harder to control the vehicle safely. Improper cornering increases the risk of losing traction, which could lead to dangerous driving conditions.

How to fix it:

Slow down before entering a turn to minimise stress on your tyres.
Steer smoothly and avoid jerky movements to prevent unnecessary tyre wear.
Accelerate gradually after exiting the corner to maintain stability.

4. Carrying Excessive Loads

Overloading your vehicle puts extra pressure on your tyres, causing them to overheat and wear out more quickly. Excess weight also strains your suspension and steering system, negatively impacting overall vehicle performance and fuel supply efficiency. If your tyres wear prematurely due to overloading, it could result in sudden tyre failure, endangering both your safety and that of other road users.

How to fix it:

Check your car’s load capacity in the owner’s manual.
Avoid carrying unnecessary heavy items in your boot to extend tyre life.
If you regularly transport heavy loads, consider upgrading to reinforced tyres designed for extra weight.

5. Ignoring Regular Tyre Rotation

Your front tyres typically wear out faster than the rear tyres due to steering and braking forces. If you don’t rotate them regularly, you’ll end up with uneven tyre wear and may need replacements sooner than expected. Regular tyre rotation helps distribute wear evenly, improving overall tyre life and ensuring optimal traction.

How to fix it:

Schedule regular tyre rotation every 8,000 to 10,000 km to promote even wear.
Follow a consistent rotation pattern recommended by your manufacturer.
Have a professional inspect your tyres for signs of excessive wear during routine maintenance.

6. Speeding and High-Speed Driving

Driving at high speeds causes tyres to generate more heat, increasing wear and the risk of blowouts. The faster you drive, the more strain you put on your tyres, reducing their ability to maintain grip and stability. Uneven tyre wear can also occur due to prolonged exposure to high-speed stress, shortening the lifespan of your tyres.

How to fix it:

Stick to speed limits and drive within the recommended maximum speed for your tyres.
If you frequently drive on highways, invest in high-performance tyres designed for speed and durability.
Regularly inspect your tyres for signs of wear or damage before long trips to maintain optimal vehicle performance.

Final Thoughts

Your driving habits have a direct impact on your tyres’ lifespan, performance, and safety. By making small changes, such as maintaining proper tyre pressure, avoiding aggressive driving, and scheduling regular tyre rotation, you can extend tyre life and improve your vehicle’s efficiency. Prioritising these factors ensures both your safety and better long-term performance for your car.

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Written By

Matt Banks

Matt is the founder of Autohero.com.au and has been hooked on cars ever since childhood.

A veteran in automotive since leaving school, Matt has completed his trade as a panel beater and is across all things with wheels.

His first car was a 1967 FORD XR Wagon followed by a string of collectable Holden’s.

Have a question for Matt? leave a comment below.