Torque Shop: Tyre maintenance includes checking and inflating pressure monthly

Other than replacing tyres when they are due, what is the general practice necessary to keep tyres in good condition throughout their life?

Tyre pressures are probably the most overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s upkeep.

While on the road, look carefully at the rear tyres of the car you are behind and, chances are, the side walls are bulging more than they should because of under-inflation.

Tyres lose air over time and distance travelled. For a car with an average weekly mileage of 250km or so, it would be prudent to check and inflate to the correct pressure about once a month.

Every vehicle has its recommended tyre pressure table on a sticker affixed to the driver’s door sill or on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

Do note, however, that the recommended air pressures, which may be different front and rear, are for cold tyres. The tyres heat up when the car is driven, so the pressure you inflate should compensate for the higher temperature.

Generally, in the context of Singapore, “hot” tyre pressures should be at least 10 to 15 per cent higher than the figures on the sticker.

Tyre pressures make a huge difference to the car’s handling, wet and dry grip, braking performance and fuel economy. Over- or under-inflation will also reduce tyre life.

The age of the tyre is another important factor. The rubber compound used in tyres experiences gradual, natural degradation.

On cars that are infrequently driven, the changing characteristics of the compound will cause the rubber to lose its pliability.

Tiny cracks will begin to form even if there is plenty of tread remaining, which means you will need to replace the tyres despite the low mileage they have covered.

If you are planning a road trip across the Causeway, conduct a visual check after you have corrected the tyre pressures. This is necessary as you will be running at higher speeds and for longer periods than the daily urban driving in Singapore.

Any sign of uneven wear, for instance, will suggest a defect in the suspension.

If not fixed, this will lead to rapid deterioration of the tyre during sustained cruising.

You may also want to check that the spare tyre is in good condition and correctly inflated. These days, however, many cars do not come with a spare tyre, in the interests of weight-saving and convenience.

Instead, the tyre repair kit is now a common flat-tyre fix, so you must learn how to use the equipment before going on the trip.

The repair kit comes with a puncture sealant and a tyre pump. What you need to do in the event of a puncture is very clearly described in the owner’s manual and, in most cases, on the repair kit itself.

Be prepared for a flat tyre – learn how to swop to the spare or familiarise yourself with the repair kit.