What is a Tyre Puncture?

tyre puncture occurs when a sharp object, like a nail or glass, pierces the tyre’s tread area, causing it to deflate. This loss of air pressure leads to a flat tyre, compromising the structural integrity of the tyre.

Top Causes of Tyre Puncture

From debris scattered on the streets to potholes lurking in the shadows, sharp objects find their way to puncture tyres when you least expect it.

Signs You Are Driving with a Flat Tyre

Picture this: you’re cruising down the road, and suddenly, something feels off. If you notice your car pulling to one side, hear unusual noises, or feel vibrations through the steering wheel, it’s time to check if you’re dealing with a deflated tyre.

How to Know if the Tyre is Punctured

Inspecting your tyres regularly is key to catching a puncture early. Look for any visible signs of damage like nails or cuts on the tyre’s surface. If you suspect a puncture, a quick pressure check using a tyre pressure gauge can confirm your suspicions.

When Not to Repair a Tyre Puncture

If the puncture is larger than 6mm or located on the sidewall, it’s a no-go for repair. Additionally, if the tyre has been driven on while flat, it may have incurred internal damage, compromising its integrity and needing replacement.

How to Repair Tyre Puncture

First things first, gather your tyre puncture repair kit, which typically includes a reaming tool, rubber plugs, and a plug insertion tool. Next, safely remove the tyre from the vehicle and locate the puncture. Use the reaming tool to clean and widen the puncture hole, then insert a rubber plug using the insertion tool. Trim any excess plug, reinflate the tyre to the recommended pressure.

How to Prevent Tyre Puncture

To reduce the risk of tyre punctures, regularly inspect your tyres for signs of wear and tear. Maintaining proper tyre pressure and avoiding road hazards whenever possible also go a long way in keeping your tyres puncture-free.

Where to Put New Tyres: Front or Back?

When it comes to buying new tyres, one question often pops up: Where should I put my new tyres—on the front or the back? If you’re scratching your head over this, don’t worry. Let’s break it down into bite-sized info so you can make the safest choice for your car.

Why Does It Matter Where New Tyres Go?

Tyres are the only part of your car that touch the road. Because of this, their condition is super important for your safety. When you put new tyres in the right spot, you’re helping maintain control of your car—especially in tricky situations, like wet or slippery roads.

The general rule? Always put new tyres on the back axle. It doesn’t matter if your car is front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, the new tyres go on the back. Why? Because fresh tyres give your car more grip, which helps prevent the back of your car from sliding out of control (this is called oversteering). Better stability at the rear means you’re safer and your car stays under control.

Where to Put New Tyres: Front or Back?

When you’re replacing just two tyres, it’s important to remember that the new tyres should always go on the rear wheels, no matter whether your car is front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. The reason is simple: new tyres provide better grip and having them at the rear helps maintain the stability of your vehicle.

This ensures the rear stays balanced, reducing the risk of losing traction and oversteering. Proper placement is essential for preventing control issues, even with front-wheel drive cars. Here’s why:

Better grip at the rear: New tyres on the rear axle help prevent the back end of the car from sliding out, especially on wet roads.
Prevent oversteer: Worn tyres at the rear can cause oversteer, which is harder to control than understeer.
Straight-line stability: With better grip at the rear, your car stays more stable when driving in a straight line or taking sharp turns.

Which Tyres Wear Out First: Front or Back?

Ever notice that your front tyres seem to wear down faster than the rear ones? It’s not your imagination. Here’s why: front tyres do the heavy lifting. They steer, brake, and carry the weight of the engine if it’s a front-wheel drive car. All of this puts a lot of pressure on the front tyres, which makes them wear out faster than the rear ones.

It’s completely normal for the front tyres to wear faster. Just remember to rotate them regularly to ensure even wear.

Typically, front tyres wear out faster because they:

Handle the majority of braking force.
Support the weight of the engine in front-wheel-drive vehicles.
Perform steering tasks, causing additional stress on the tread.

What Causes Tyre Wear?

We all know tyres don’t last forever, but what makes them wear out faster than they should? Here are a few culprits to watch out for:

Improper tyre pressure: Overinflated or underinflated tyres can wear unevenly.

Misaligned wheels: Incorrect alignment causes uneven tread wear on specific parts of the tyre.

Driving habits: Hard braking and quick acceleration put more stress on the tyres.

Road conditions: Potholes and uneven roads can accelerate wear.

Lack of rotation: Failing to rotate your tyres regularly can result in uneven wear between front and rear tyres.

How to Prevent Tyre Wear

Looking after your tyres doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple steps can make them last longer, save you money, and keep you safe. Here’s how you can make them last longer:

Check tyre pressure regularly: Properly inflated tyres wear evenly and perform better. Check your pressure monthly or before long trips.

Rotate your tyres: Swap the front and rear tyres every 10,000 km (or as recommended in your vehicle manual). This evens out wear.

Get wheel alignments: If your car pulls to one side or your tyres wear unevenly, it’s time to check your alignment.

Drive gently: Avoid slamming brakes or taking sharp turns at high speeds.

Inspect tread depth: Use the “20c coin test” to ensure your tyre tread meets safety standards.

Bottom Line for NZ Drivers

Taking care of your tyres isn’t just about saving a few bucks—it’s about your safety too. Whether you’re putting new tyres on the front or back, make sure you’ve got them in the right place for better control. Check your tyre pressure, rotate your tyres, and pay attention to alignment issues. With these simple steps, you’ll keep your tyres in top shape, save money in the long run, and stay safe on the road.