So, in today’s post, we are sharing some simple yet smart tips to save money through proper car tyre maintenance and replacement.
Slow and Steady
The first trick is to extend the life of your car tyres to get the maximum mileage out of them. There is nothing but simple mathematics at play here. Let’s understand using an example:
Cost of tyre replacement : ₹14,000 for 4 tyres
Kilometers driven : 40,000
Tyre cost per kilometer : 14000 / 40000 = ₹ 0.35 per km
Now suppose that you drive the tyres within speed limits, avoid sudden braking and acceleration, and are always careful when driving on bad patches of road, you can extend the mileage up to 60,000 kilometers.
Cost of tyre replacement : ₹14,000 for 4 tyres
Kilometers driven : 60,000
Tyre cost per kilometer : 14000 / 60000 = ₹ 0.23 per km
Which accounts for a 40% decrease in your per kilometer tyre cost.
And if you are driving a high-mileage tyre like the Amazer 4G Life, the per kilometer cost comes all the way down to ₹ 0.14 per kilometer.
That’s a magnificent 85% less than average.
Maintaining the Correct Pressure
Monitoring and maintaining your car tyre pressure to optimum levels is another way to prolong their service life. Moreover, under inflated tyres are one of the most common causes of premature failures.
A regular air pressure check can not only save you from a potential mishap but also helps your pocket by letting you avoid a premature replacement. But that’s not all, properly inflated tyres also improve your car’s fuel efficiency.
Here’s a table to help you understand the impact of tyre inflation levels on fuel efficiency of your car.
| Decrease in tyre pressure (below recommended levels) | Corresponding increase in fuel consumption | |
| -1% | = | 0.3% |
| -10% | = | 2% |
| -40% | = | 8% |
| Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | ||
Tyres regularly lose air pressure, which is about 6kPa (kilopascal) or 1 PSI (pounds per square inch) a month. So, even if you have parked your car after a proper inflation, make sure that you check again when driving out after a while.
Tyre Rotation, Balancing, and Alignment
These basic tyre and suspension maintenance checks can have a huge impact on your tyre life. Rotating tyres every 6-8 months promotes even wear and allows the tread to last longer.
If you notice the car veering towards a side or the steering is not centered, it’s most likely an issue with your wheel balancing and alignment. Hitting the kerb or a pothole at speed can often cause misalignment in the suspension setup. This leads to toe-in or toe-out situations which hampers the steering and stability of your car. Moreover misaligned tyres will wear out from the inside or outside, depending on the condition.
Wheel balancing and alignment tests keep the tyres pointing forward, once again protecting you and your pocket.
Buying Fuel Efficient Tyres
If you are replacing your old tyres, now might be a good time to look at some fuel efficient tyre options in the market, like the Apollo Amperion.
The Amperion can improve fuel efficiency or electric car range by up to 5%, thanks to its industry-leading rolling resistance. Its unique tread design, combined with an aerodynamic sidewall, includes a solid, stiff centre rib and intermediate ribs for enhanced stability and performance.
Moreover, choosing the right sized tyres for your car is also important. Be careful when upsizing tyres, because wider tyres may have a lot of aesthetic appeal but they are also heavier and create more friction, requiring more engine power to move.
So, consult a tyre expert at your nearest Apollo Tyres shop before you go for a replacement, or call the Apollo Direct helpline at 1800- 212- 7070.
Don’t Miss Out on Tyre Exchange Discounts!
The last and most important of all, follow Apollo Tyres for the bi-annual Tyre Exchange Festival.
Get the most value for money deals by availing tyre exchange discounts on purchase of 2 or 4 tyres from the Apollo Tyres online shop or an authorized tyre dealer near you. You can save up to ₹3,000 on a full set of R17 tyres during the offer period.
The exchange offer is also applicable on buying Vredestein tyres in India, just in case you are looking for a premium upgrade for your car tyres.
Concluding Thoughts
All-in-all, saving money on tyre maintenance and replacements is quite easy if you follow a few simple rules.
To summarize things, by keeping your car speeds in check, moderating your driving style according to the track and road, and with proper inflation you can extend tyre life to go beyond the average mileage. Thus, reducing your per kilometer tyre cost. These habits also help you in achieving additional savings in terms of lesser fuel consumption and wear and tear to the car’s suspension system.
And lastly when it’s time to shop for new tyres, we are alway here with exciting exchange offers to help you save more.