15. Tire maintenance: Calibration, alignment and balancing

Chapter 15: Tire Maintenance: Calibration, Alignment and Balancing

Tyres are vital components of your vehicle, playing a crucial role in your vehicle's safety, fuel efficiency and overall performance. Therefore, proper tire maintenance is essential. This chapter will cover three fundamental aspects of tire maintenance: inflation, alignment and balancing.

Tyre Calibration

Tyre pressure refers to the amount of air inside the tire, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Correct inflation is crucial for safety, tire life and fuel efficiency. Poorly inflated tires can lead to uneven wear, overheating, tire failure and even accidents. In addition, poorly inflated tires can increase fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The tire pressure should be checked regularly, at least once a month and always before long journeys. The correct tire pressure for your vehicle can be found in your owner's manual or on the label located on the driver's door or in the fuel compartment. Remember that tire pressure should be checked when tires are cold, as pressure increases as tires warm up.

Tire Alignment

Tyre alignment, also known as wheel alignment, refers to adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are perfectly perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. This is crucial to maximizing tire life, ensuring safe driving and improving fuel efficiency.

Misaligned tires can result in uneven tire wear, steering pulling to one side, a bent steering wheel when driving straight ahead, and excessive vibration. Tire alignment should be checked every 10,000 km or at least once a year. However, if you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, you should have your alignment checked immediately.

Tyre Balancing

Tyre balancing involves balancing the weight of the tire and wheel after mounting. Unbalanced tires can cause vibration, uneven tire wear, stress on the suspension system and premature wear of vehicle components.

It is recommended to balance your tires whenever you change or repair a tire, or if you notice vibration while driving. Tire balancing should also be done every 5,000 to 10,000 km, depending on the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.

In summary, proper tire maintenance is an essential part of vehicle maintenance. Regular tire inflation, alignment and balancing can extend tire life, improve safety and fuel efficiency, and provide a smoother and more comfortable driving experience. Therefore, do not neglect tire maintenance. It's a small price to pay for your vehicle's safety and performance.

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