Auto

How long should vehicle tyres last?

Published

2 years ago

April 5, 2022

A new test by Consumer Report has shown that family-car tyres can last at least 70,000 miles or 112,654 kilometres.

Ultra-high-performance tyres are generally found to wear quicker. In fact, some tested UHP tyres indicate they will last to just 25,000 to 30,000 miles or 40,233 to 48,280km. To make matters worse, most summer tyres don’t even carry warranties.

There is no definitive answer as to how long a vehicle’s tyres should last, but it is recommended that people should always replace the tyres once they are 10 years old, depending on the terrain.

Indeed, the advice for how many kilometres your tyres last varies widely from 10,000 to 50,000 kilometres.

The lifespan of your tyres will vary depending on a number of factors, according to a report by carnextdoor.com.

It lists the factors as your driving habits (highway vs stop-start city driving); the climate; the design of the tyre road condition; how well you maintain your tyres.

Even if your tyres look like they’re in good condition, it’s recommended you replace them after ten years from their manufacture date. This includes spare tyres. Even if you think your tyres could last a little longer, it’s better to be safe than being sorry.

Get your tyres checked every year after five years

Regardless of how far you drive, once your tyres are five years old you should get them checked yearly. After five years a tyre will begin to deteriorate, as it dries out and the rubber loses its suppleness.

This happens whether you drive a lot or very little, and also affects your spare tyre. Your mechanic should check your tyres as part of your regular service, or you can get them checked at a tyre shop. Many tyre shop offer a free tyre health check.

Eight easy ways to increase your tyre’s lifespan

There are some easy ways to check your tyre’s condition, as well as some simple steps to lengthen their lifespan so you can save money on tyre replacements.

Always check your tyre tread

What is tyre tread and why does it matter?

Tyre tread is the rubber on the tyre that makes contact with the road or ground. The grooves on your tyres is the tread pattern.

The tyre tread is the raised section that touches the ground when you drive.

As a tyre ages and wears down, the tread is worn off. This reduces its effectiveness and safety. The grooves in the tread are specially designed to keep you safe in a range of driving conditions. In fact, there are a variety of different tread patterns for this reason: some patterns are optimised for driving on snow, or to reduce noise or increase grip.

The grooves in tyres also allow water to be expelled to prevent hydroplaning. If the depth of the grooves wear down too far, your tyres can’t expel all the water they encounter. This creates a thin barrier of water between the tyre and the ground, causing the car to skid across the wet road.

How to check your tyre tread

Check your car tyre tread with a coin

An easy way to check your tread pattern is to put a coin into the groove to see how deep it is. If you stick a coin in and the tread isn’t touching the platypus’ bill, it’s too shallow.

You can also check by running your hand over the tread and making sure you can feel all the grooves. If you aren’t sure, take your car to a tyre shop for a checkup.

Look for a tread wear indicator on your tyre, usually marked by a triangle on the sidewall of the tyre.

Inside one of the grooves in line with that triangle, you will see or feel a raised section which indicates the minimum depth of the tread. If the rest of the tyre is level with this raised section, your tyre is due for replacement.

Keep your tyres of out the sun

Park your car away from direct sunlight. This will minimise the damaging effects of UV rays on the rubber. If you don’t have an indoor parking spot, try to park in a shady area.

Swap your tyres around

Check that each tyre is wearing at a similar rate. To keep your tyres wearing evenly, rotate them regularly – including the spare if it’s a full sized tyre – so that the front tyres are placed on the rear of the car and vice versa. You should do this every service or every 10,000 kilometres. Your front tyres will wear more quickly because of the position of the steering, so it’s important to rotate them regularly to spread the wear evenly.

Get your wheels aligned

Your wheel alignment will affect how long your tyres should last, and the way your car handles. Your mechanic should do this as part of your regular service, but if you’re concerned that your wheel alignment is off, take it in to the mechanic or tyre shop for a check and re-alignment.

Don’t be a stuntman

This should be obvious, but drive carefully. Don’t be aggressive cornering, burnouts and hard braking will all wear your tyres down quickly (not to mention the safety concerns).

Watch your speed!

Aside from the safety and legal issues, higher heat generated from high speeds wears tyres prematurely.

Keep your car clean

The heavier your car, the more pressure you are putting on your tyres, so don’t overload it by driving around with a boot full of junk. Make sure to remove any heavy items you don’t need in your car.

Keep your tyres inflated to the correct PSI

It’s easy to find your tyre’s correct correct operating pressure, usually measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Check inside the driver’s door: there should be a placard there that will show the front and rear tyre pressure recommendations. Depending on the car, these may be different. If the placard isn’t in the driver’s side door frame, look inside the fuel door, the glove box or your car’s manual.

Check your tyre’s current pressure by heading to a petrol station with a tyre inflation service. Many of them offer it for free. Attach the hose to the valve on each of your rims and the machine will do the rest of the work. Depending on the machine, you can either set the PSI you want, or manually fill it. Aim to check your car’s tyre pressure monthly.

Auto

Appeal court takes over NURTW case as NIC withdraws

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2024

Trends Admin

Appeal court takes over NURTW case as NIC withdraws

The National Industrial Court has withdrawn from a case involving Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, Board of Trustees chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa’s ambition to return as president of the union over lack of jurisdiction.

The industrial court’s decision was made to avoid conflict with the Court of Appeal, where the matter is already being heard.

Before the NIC announced its decision to hands-off the case, the defendants’ counsel, Mr. O.I. Olorundare SAN, had informed the court that the matter is currently before the Court of Appeal, Abuja division, and that the industrial court could not continue to adjudicate on the same matter.

The counsel cited authorities to support his claim, adding that the National Industrial Court does not have concurrent jurisdiction with the Court of Appeal.

The presiding judge, O.O. Oyewunmi, struck out the case, stating that the Appeal Court had taken over the matter and that the Industrial Court must respect the hierarchy of courts.

Alhaji Yasin and six others took the case to the Appeal Court, challenging the decision of the industrial court recognising a delegates’ conference held on May 24, 2023, where Baruwa was proclaimed as President of the union for a second term in office.

With the latest NIC judgement, both parties will now proceed to defend their positions at the Court of Appeal and await the final judgement.

Auto

19 passengers burnt to death in Okene Bypass accident, FRSC blames traffic violation

Published

1 week ago

April 28, 2024

Trends Admin

FRSC blames traffic violation as 19 passengers burnt to death in Okene Bypass accident

A total of 19 people were burnt to death in a tanker-bus collision on Sunday April 28 on Okene-Lokoja highway in Kogi State.

The collision that specifically occurred on Okene Bypass reportedly led to an explosion, trapping a total of 22 passengers in the inferno.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in a statement which gave these details said the crash was largely caused by traffic rules violation.

It added that its emergency rescue team deployed in the area battled the situation for three hours.

Part of statement read, “The crash investigation report revealed that the crash involved two vehicles comprising a Dangote truck bearing the following registration details NSH680YJ, and a Toyota Hiace Bus with registration number KMC455ZE.

“The Toyota Hiace bus loaded from Kano was on its lane on the highway when the Dangote truck driver who drove all the way from Port Harcourt wrongfully overtook a vehicle and collided head-on with the bus.

“The impact of the collision resulted in a fire inferno that burnt the victims to death.

According to the report, the crash which was caused by route violation ‘One-way’ and wrongful overtaking, involved 22 people all male.

“Unfortunately, 19 people out of the 22 victims were killed and one injured.

“The remaining two victims who got rescued by the FRSC operatives without injuries survived the crash because they complied with traffic regulations on compulsory use of seatbelt.

“The corpses of the dead victims have been deposited at Okene General Hospital.

The statement signed by the FRSC spokesman, Jonas Agwu, an Assistant Corps Marshal, recalled that the Corps Marshal of the commission, Dauda Biu, at a press conference last week Thursday “warned against traffic violations citing instances where they resulted in avoidable crashes with fire outbreak, leading to wanton loss of precious lives and destruction to properties.

“As a result of that he had earlier emphasised on the need for maximum penalty for these drivers.

Dauda Biu reaffirmed the resolution of the Corps to continue its ongoing prosecution of drivers who by their actions cause road traffic crashes in Nigeria, noting that the driver of the truck involved in the Okene crash will not be an exception.

“As such, he called on the judiciary, leadership of transport unions and other relevant stakeholders in the road transportation sector to join hands with the Corps towards restoring sanity through speedy and effective prosecution.”

Auto

Chery celebrates automobile excellence, creativity at Lagos roadshow

Published

1 week ago

April 27, 2024

Trends Admin

Chery celebrates automobile excellence, creativity at Lagos roadshow

Chery Nigeria on Friday held many Lagos fans of elegant new vehicles spellbound during its spectacular roadshow.

The event featured a captivating procession from the Carloha showroom to The Palms in VI passing through scenic routes such as the Third Mainland Bridge, Ikoyi and Victoria Island, ending with a celebration at the iconic shopping mall.

The roadshow not only showcased Chery’s exceptional vehicles but also celebrated the spirit of creativity and community.

The event provided a platform for guests to savour and enjoy the unique display of new work of art and automotive excellence.

The roadshow extravaganza, as the organisers called it, was revealed Chery’s commitment to engaging experiences, showcasing the brand’s latest masterpiece, the Tiggo 8 Pro,Tiggo 4 Pro and Arrizo 5, in an unforgettable way.
The highlight of the event was a unique “Sip and Paint” session led by a notable artist, who skilfully captured the essence of the Tiggo 8 Pro on canvas.

Guests were invited to unleash their creativity as they painted their own interpretations of the iconic Chery logo, adding personal touch.
The climax of the evening came with a breathtaking moment as Eben, renowned for his impressionistic prowess, unveiled his masterpiece – a stunning portrayal of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro.
The artwork, met with awe and admiration from attendees, encapsulated the essence of Chery’s dedication to innovation, style, and sophistication.
Representative of Chery brand in Nigeria, Carloha, says it will continue to provide automotive solutions to customers with its six-year free service and six-year warranty or 200,000km, whichever comes first.

Meanwhile, Chery has expressed its gratitude to all attendees, partners and supporters who contributed to the success of this extraordinary event.
“As the brand continues its journey of innovation and inspiration, it remains dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences that captivate hearts and minds,” the firm said in a statement on Saturday.