Tyres are easy to overlook, but they play a critical role in safety, fuel efficiency and overall running costs. Poor tyre care can lead to higher fuel consumption, faster wear, MOT failures and avoidable breakdowns, all of which impact businesses and drivers alike.
In this guide, we break down why tyre care matters, share practical car tyre maintenance tips, and explain how changing weather conditions affect tyre performance and care requirements.
Why is car tyre maintenance important?
Effective tyre care is about more than just staying road-legal. Well-maintained tyres improve grip, handling and braking, while also helping vehicles run more efficiently.
From a business perspective, poor tyre condition can quietly increase fuel spend, maintenance costs and downtime. Underinflated or worn tyres increase rolling resistance, forcing engines to work harder and use more fuel. Over time, this adds unnecessary cost across fleets.
Regular tyre care and maintenance tips also support safety. Tyres are the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road, so their condition directly affects stopping distances, especially in wet or icy conditions. Neglecting tyres increases the risk of blowouts, punctures and loss of control.
For a useful starting point, our vehicle inspection checklist highlights key checks that drivers and fleet managers should make regularly.
How to maintain car tyres
Maintaining car tyres doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple, consistent checks can make a big difference to safety, performance and cost control.
Check tyre pressure regularly
Correct tyre pressure is one of the most important tyre care tips. Under-inflated tyres wear faster, reduce fuel efficiency and handle poorly, while over-inflated tyres can reduce grip and increase uneven wear. Pressures should be checked at least once a month and before long journeys, using the manufacturer’s recommended settings.
Monitor tread depth and wear
UK legal tread depth is 1.6mm, but replacing tyres before they reach this limit improves safety and performance. Uneven wear patterns can also indicate alignment or suspension issues, which should be addressed early to avoid further damage.
Inspect tyres for damage
Cuts, bulges, cracks or embedded objects can weaken tyres and lead to sudden failure. Visual inspections should form part of routine checks, particularly for vehicles used daily or on mixed road surfaces.
Rotate tyres where appropriate
Rotating tyres helps ensure even wear, extending their lifespan and improving overall performance. This is especially useful for high-mileage vehicles or front-wheel-drive cars where front tyres wear faster.
Don’t ignore warning signs
Vibrations, pulling to one side, or frequent pressure loss can all indicate tyre issues. Addressing problems early helps reduce repair costs and avoid unexpected downtime.
These practical tyre maintenance tips are particularly valuable for fleets, where small issues can quickly scale into higher operational costs.
How does the weather impact tyre maintenance and care requirements?
Weather plays a major role in tyre performance and care requirements, especially in the UK, where conditions can change quickly.
Cold weather and winter driving
Lower temperatures reduce tyre pressure, meaning tyres may become under-inflated without obvious signs. Cold, wet and icy roads also increase stopping distances, making tread depth and tyre condition even more important. Our winter safety checklist covers additional seasonal checks to help vehicles stay safe and compliant.
Wet conditions and aquaplaning risk
Worn tyres struggle to disperse water effectively, increasing the risk of aquaplaning. Maintaining healthy tread depth is essential for grip and braking in heavy rain.
Hot weather and tyre wear
In warmer conditions, tyres heat up more quickly, especially on long journeys or heavily loaded vehicles. This can accelerate wear and increase the risk of blowouts if tyres are already damaged or incorrectly inflated.
Seasonal checks matter
Seasonal changes are a good reminder to review tyre pressures, tread depth and overall condition. Adjusting tyre care routines throughout the year helps maintain safety and performance in all conditions.
Useful reading:
Keeping tyre care simple and cost-effective
Good tyre care doesn’t require specialist knowledge, just consistency. Building regular checks into driver routines and fleet inspections helps reduce fuel use, improve safety and extend tyre life.
If you’d like support with managing vehicle costs more effectively or would like to discuss smarter fleet practices, our team is always happy to help. You can get in touch via our contact page.
