Noticing your tyres wearing out too fast?
A worn tyre (right) compared to a new tyre (left).
Had a gutful of seeing your tyres go bald way too fast? Happens a lot around Hamilton, especially with all the potholes over in Nawton, the roundabouts in Rototuna, and that stop-start cruelling traffic up Te Rapa straight. Tyres take a real hammering, whether you’re cruising out to Cambridge or just nipping between suburb speed bumps in Melville. In NZ, the rule is your tyres have to have at least 1.5mm tread for a WOF, but honestly – the more tread, the better, especially when it buckets down or the fog lays in during those Hamilton winters.
Learn more about tyre WOF requirements in NZ
If you’re burning through new tyres faster than you’re topping up your wiper fluid, chances are there’s something up. Whether it’s uneven wear, constant punctures, or just a feeling like your grip’s knackered, it’s worth getting your tyres checked before it costs you more or – worse – puts you off the road.
Why do tyres wear out so quick around here?
- Tyre pressures off the mark – Not running the right pressure? Your manual (or the sticker in your door jamb) has the sweet spot. Too high or too low and you’ll chew through tyres, burn more fuel, and end up with a rougher ride. We see a fair few Suzuki Swifts and Toyota Corollas coming in under-inflated from all the school runs in Dinsdale.
- Forgetting to check tyre pressures – Tyres can lose a bit of air just by sitting around; even more if you put in some kms out to Morrinsville or Raglan. If you leave them too long without a top-up, your tread will cop it. Best bet: check pressures every four weeks. Get in a routine.
- Wrong tyres for your car – Seen it so often lately, especially on European imports like Peugeot 308s or even a couple of Honda Integras. Wrong size or type and the tyres just don’t last – or worse, they mess with your car’s handling.
- Wheels out of alignment – Hamilton kerbs and potholes don’t do you any favours. If your steering’s pulling or you’ve clipped a few traffic islands up in Chartwell, you might need a wheel alignment. Misaligned wheels mean uneven tyre wear; it’s classic to see on older Mazda Demios and Nissan Tiidas used for Uber around town.
- How you drive – Hammering your brakes, taking corners like you’re at Hampton Downs, or jamming it round The Base carpark? That’ll chew out even new Goodyears or Falkens in no time. Gentle on the pedals, save your tyres (and your wallet).
How to make your tyres last around Hamilton
- Get a wheel alignment done every 2-3 years or after you swap tyres. A lot longer tread life, less drift on SH1.
- Chuck in a tyre rotation when you get your next car service Hamilton way. Evens out the wear, makes sense especially on front-wheel drive hybrids we see, like Toyota Aquas.
- Try go easy on braking and wild corners, especially when it’s wet – and with our weather turning from dry summer tar to slippery winter streets, it pays to back off a bit.
- Pump up your tyres each month. Pop down to the servo in Glenview, it’s usually free. Not sure of your pressure? Check your car’s book or do a quick Google – better than guessing.
Quick tyre checks and repairs in Hamilton
If you reckon your tyres are wearing out much too fast, swing by and let one of our techs take a look. We’ve seen it all – from a mum’s old Subaru Forester getting chewed up from never-rotated tyres, to a late-model Kia Niro hybrid needing a quick fix after hitting roadworks by Taupiri. We’ll figure out what’s going on and get you sorted, whether you need a repair, fresh set of boots, or just some honest advice.
For all tyre repairs, servicing, or if you need a replacement sorted in Hamilton and the nearby towns, just get in touch with us at Grimmer Motors.