4 May 2020 · Buyer Tips & Advice

What Should I Look For When Checking Kia Car Tyres? | Phil Gilbert Kia

As a car owner there are a lot of things that you need to be aware of. From the mundane like your fuel levels to more serious issues like keeping an ear out for unpleasant noises or other signs of a fault, it can all be a bit overwhelming. But among all of the things that can go wrong, one that absolutely needs your attention is your tyres. As the thing that literally keeps your car on the road, you need your tyres in top condition. After all, the last thing youts. want is an unexpected blown tyre. With that in mind, here are a few things you should look out for when checking your Kia’s tyres.

First and foremost, tread wear is one of the biggest concerns when it comes to tyres. Over time, the tread – the grooves in wheels that grip the road to give you control – wear down as a result of friction. Wear here means that the tyres would have a higher chance of skidding, decreasing your control and increasing your braking distance. In Australia, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.5mm across the width of the tread. To test it, take a 20c coin and place it under a tread groove. Check if the tread reaches the bill of the Platypus. If it doesn’t, then your tyres might need a replacement.

Next, you should check the tyre pressure. Maintaining the proper pressure is important. If not, the wear on the tyres will be uneven. For instance, an overinflated tyre would wear more on the centre of the tyre while an underinflated tyre will wear more on the outer shoulders. Furthermore, incorrect tyre pressure may lead to improper handling and braking, and even blown out tyres owing to heat build-up in underinflated areas.

Taking care of your Kia’s tyres

It's recommended that you take air pressure every two weeks, ideally when your tyres are cool as readings tend to be more accurate when with cool tyres. The recommended figure is usually marked on the tyres and/or in your Kia instruction manual. You can visit a service station or buy your own air pressure gauge to check the pressure. Plus, most modern cars are fitted with TPMS.

Another point of consideration would be wheel alignment. Unbalanced wheel alignment could mean vibrations and a rough driving experience. When your car starts to pull to either side or when your steering wheel isn’t straight, it's usually a sign that wheel alignment needs to be looked at. Thereby, it's advisable that you check for wheel alignment every time you take your Kia for service.  

While all these checks are done, often we may tend to forget about the spare tyre on the back of our cars. So, it’s equally important to ensure your spare tyre is also in good health. If the spare tyre over six years old, you should ideally replace the spare tyre.

Let Phil Gilbert Kia assist you

Of course, how you maintain your car and your driving habits affect the tyres’ lifespan as well. For example, avoiding locking wheels when braking or spinning the wheel on acceleration would help maximise the effective life cycle of your tyres. More importantly, regular check-ups will only further ensure the tyres are in pristine condition. This is where an excellent professional service would serve you well.

Phil Gilbert Kia has been serving the automobile industry in Sydney for over a decade. We specialise in your Kia cars, delivering the service your vehicle needs to stay safe on the road. Whether it’s a simple wheel alignment or a full-on Kia car service, our team of experts are here to help. So, come visit Phil Gilbert Kia today. You can also book online, call us on (02) 9735 8400 or contact us here.