Care & checks
Checking tyre pressure when cold
Measure before driving so that heat does not distort the comparison. The target still comes from the instructions for your own vehicle.
31 articles
Care & checks
Pressure, tread, wear and storage: checks during use and between seasons.
Care & checks
Reading the vehicle pressure placard
Several numbers on one sticker are not contradictory. They may belong to different axles, sizes or loading conditions.
Care & checks
Tyre pressure with a full load
Passengers and luggage change the operating conditions. Use the vehicle manufacturer’s load-related pressure information.
Care & checks
Do not deflate hot tyres to cold targets
A higher reading after driving can result from heat. Do not simply use a cold-pressure figure as a target for releasing air.
Care & checks
Recognising slow pressure loss
Repeated topping-up is a clue, not a repair. Comparable readings help a specialist investigate the cause of a leak.
Care & checks
Checking valves and valve caps
The small cap protects an important opening. If air escapes, the complete valve needs attention.
Care & checks
Choosing a tyre-pressure gauge
Readable units, a usable connector and verifiable accuracy matter more than extra decimal places.
Care & checks
Understanding direct TPMS
Wheel-mounted sensors provide pressure information. A second wheel set needs compatible hardware and the correct setup procedure.
Care & checks
Understanding indirect TPMS
An indirect system analyses existing vehicle signals. It needs correctly inflated tyres before a reference is stored.
Care & checks
When a tyre-pressure warning appears
A warning calls for attention to the tyres first. Resetting the display is not the starting point.
Care & checks
Resetting TPMS after checking pressures
Store a new reference only after checking the tyres and setting their specified pressures.
Care & checks
Measuring tread depth in several places
One reading can miss local wear. Measure several positions around the circumference and across the tread.
Care & checks
Recording uneven tyre wear
A wear pattern is a clue, not a certain remote diagnosis. Clear records make professional investigation easier.
Care & checks
Wear on the inner tyre shoulder
The shoulder facing the car is easy to miss during a quick walk-around. Wear there calls for a complete inspection.
Care & checks
Recognising sawtooth tyre wear
Different heights at the edges of tread blocks can create rolling noise. Inspection must distinguish the pattern from its possible causes.
Care & checks
Flat spots after extended parking
Tyres may initially feel uneven after extended parking. Strong or persistent vibration must not be assumed harmless.
Care & checks
Having sidewall cracks assessed
Age and tread depth alone cannot assess cracks. The affected area and the complete tyre need examination.
Care & checks
A bulge in a tyre sidewall
An outward bulge can indicate damage to the load-carrying structure. Stop using the tyre and do not attempt a home repair.
Care & checks
A nail or screw in a tyre
Do not pull an embedded object out as a test. Repair suitability can only be decided after a complete examination.
Care & checks
Checks after a kerb impact
A visible scrape does not tell the whole story of an impact. Tyre, wheel and suspension can be affected differently.
Care & checks
Tyre checks after a pothole
Damage after a hard impact can be hidden inside. Looking only at the outer rim edge cannot establish condition.
Care & checks
New vibration after a tyre change
New vibration after fitting needs prompt investigation. Balancing is one possible remedy, not a diagnosis for every case.
Care & checks
Cleaning tyres without damaging them
Water, a suitable mild cleaner and careful handling are usually enough. Shine is not a measure of tyre condition.
Care & checks
Storing complete wheels
A mounted tyre is supported by its wheel. Storage hardware, room conditions and preparation must suit the complete set.
Care & checks
Storing tyres without rims
An unmounted tyre has no rigid wheel supporting it. Protect its shape and bead area during storage.
Care & checks
Choosing a place to store tyres
Not every empty garage or basement corner is suitable. Consider conditions throughout the entire storage period.
Care & checks
Recording tyre position and condition before storage
A short record for each wheel prevents mix-ups and identifies issues that need resolving before the next fitting.
Care & checks
Assessing tyre age together with condition
The production date matters, but it cannot certify condition by itself. Low mileage does not prevent ageing.
Care & checks
Rotating tyres according to vehicle instructions
Changing positions can distribute wear. The permitted pattern depends on the vehicle, wheel combination and tyre construction.
Care & checks
Including the spare wheel in tyre checks
An unused spare can still lose pressure and age. Include it in maintenance before it is needed.
Care & checks
Checking a tyre set after storage
A stored set needs a fresh assessment before fitting. Old readings and a clean cover are not sufficient.