With over 20 million registered motor vehicle drivers in Australia, new data has revealed that 8 million of them don’t know how to change a tyre. Some Australians are turning to online resources for help more quickly. However, drivers can visit their local mechanic and trust professionals to handle the technical details, allowing them to enjoy a smoother, safer drive. 

Robert Deane, Franchisee at JAX Tyres & Auto Caulfield South says: "Roadside emergencies can be daunting, especially since almost 8 million Aussies don't know how to change a tyre. But, what drivers need to remember is that it is never too late to learn! By teaching more Australians how to handle such car issues, we are saving time for the future so they don't have to wait for assistance if travelling through open roads or remote regions. Our industry can lead the way for our drivers to become confident and prepared travellers for driving through remote regions." 

Here are Robert’s expert tips on knowing when to change your tyres: 

AGE ISN'T JUST A NUMBER 

Even if a vehicle is not used frequently, it's important to remember that tyre degradation can occur over time. This is because the rubber compounds in tyres naturally deteriorate due to factors such as oxidation, exposure to UV light, and fluctuations in temperature. A tyre's shelf life is five years, this is the optimal time to arrange a replacement to ensure and maintain optimal safety and performance on the road. There are also programs provided to customers, such as MyJAX, which reminds drivers to get their tyres balanced, rotated, and their wheel alignment checked every 6 months. 

DRIVING HABITS INFLUENCE TYRE WEAR 

The lifespan of your tyres is greatly affected by your driving habits and the conditions of the roads you drive on. If you drive aggressively, frequently brake hard, or accelerate rapidly, your tyres are more likely to wear out faster. For example, high-performance tyres installed on sports cars may wear out more quickly due to spirited driving demands. In contrast, all-season tyres on a family sedan may have a longer lifespan due to more moderate driving habits. 

REGULAR INSPECTIONS ARE KEY 

Regardless of the mileage or age of your tyres, regular inspections are crucial for maintaining safety and performance. Look for signs of uneven wear, incorrect air pressure, cracks, bulges, or embedded objects. Robert says, "Regularly checking your tyre pressure ensures optimal performance and safety. Most petrol stations provide tools that are available for anyone to use and check their tyre pressure. Maintaining the recommended tyre pressure improves fuel efficiency, prevents premature tyre wear and ensures better handling and braking performance."  

ENSURE YOUR TREAD IS GRIPPING 

Your tread is a crucial indicator for determining when to change a tyre. The tread provides the necessary traction to grip the road, ensuring safety in various driving conditions. As the tread wears down, its ability to maintain traction decreases, increasing the risk of skidding, especially on wet or slippery surfaces. As it is a legal requirement in Australia to ensure that the tyre tread remains over 1.6mm, keeping a close eye on your tyre tread is one of the key tools to monitor your tyres.  

Knowing how to change a tyre is considered a helpful skill to have; however, it is not a life necessity. With professional mechanics and regular maintenance of your tyres, you are bound to enjoy a smooth ride. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can ensure your tyres are safe and effective for as long as possible. 

About JAX Tyres & Auto

Founded in 1949, JAX Tyres & Auto is one of Australia’s most well respected and professional tyre and mechanical retailers, specialising in tyres, wheel, suspension, vehicle servicing and vehicle safety checks. The company operates through more than 90 stores in Australia. Monthly, it serves more than 60,000 customers and provides them with the best tyre brands, advice, service and price for cars and 4x4s. JAX Tyres & Auto is also at the forefront of tyre retailing technology through a strategy called JAXIT, which encompasses digital deployment to stores and consumers from the central source of data, which allows consumers to search and choose a solution 24/7/365 for all their tyre and automotive maintenance needs from the convenience of online. Its complimentary JAX Inspect report assesses all the vital parts of customer vehicles so that no matter the journey, JAX can get people there with surety and safety, enabling peace of mind driving. www.jax.com.au