How driving smoothly can extend tyre lifespan
Driving smoothly isn’t just about proving that you’re the best driver in the group. In fact, smooth driving is an important part of best practice driving for a number of key reasons.
In addition to driving safety and comfort, smooth driving is also one of the best ways to preserve your vehicle, and ensure it achieves the longest possible lifespan (without incurring unnecessary maintenance or repair costs).
For instance, one of the least known – but most impactful – benefits of driving smoothly is the fact that it can significantly extend the lifespan of your tyres.
In this article, our tyre specialists have outlined how and why smooth driving can extend the lifespan of tyres, and shared their tips for driving more smoothly.
Why is smooth driving important?
Smooth driving unlocks a number of impressive, valuable benefits for road users.
With some slight adjustments to your driving practice, you can:
Extend the lifespan of your tyres
As your tyres are constantly in contact with the road, it makes sense that the way you drive has a significant impact on your tyres’ performance and lifespan. If you regularly accelerate harshly, corner too abruptly, or stop suddenly, then this additional pressure can cause your tyres to wear down much faster. In comparison, smooth driving minimises the amount of friction that your tyres are exposed to, thereby keeping tread wear as even as possible, and reducing the pace of degradation.
Improve your fuel efficiency
Another benefit of smooth driving is that it also helps maximise the fuel economy of your vehicle. This is because uneven driving (e.g. rapid acceleration or heavy braking) results in a lot of wasted energy. In fact, maintaining a smooth, consistent driving style can reduce your fuel consumption by as much as 20%.
Reduce the strain placed on key parts
It’s not just your tyres that stand to benefit from smooth driving. Other – and critically, more expensive – parts of your vehicle will also encounter less wear and stress if you maintain careful, smooth driving.
Your engine, gearbox, clutch and brakes will all be more protected if you adopt a smoother driving style.
Reduce your environmental impact
Another benefit of the improved fuel efficiency is less emissions generated when driving. As a result of consuming less fuel, smooth driving is also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Tips for driving more smoothly
If you want to start seeing these benefits for yourself, here are our experts’ practical tips for driving more smoothly.
- Accelerate gently and gradually – Applying gentle, gradual pressure to the accelerator when moving ensures less stress is placed on your tyres, and reduces the risk of uneven wear.
- Brake gradually, where possible – Unless in an emergency (e.g. if you can see traffic up ahead) apply the brakes progressively.
- Keep your speed consistent – This further reduces the pace at which your tyres wear down, by minimising the pressure they are put under.
- Keep an eye out for potholes – Where possible, avoid driving over potholes and damaged areas of the road. If you do need to drive over a damaged or rough road, reduce your driving speed.
- Pay particular attention to corners – Taking a corner too fast or sharply is one of the main contributors to excessive tyre wear.
- Remove any unnecessary weight – By keeping your vehicle lighter, and removing any unnecessary heavy items, you can further reduce the pace at which your tyres wear down.
- Regularly check your tyre pressure – If your tyres are either under or over-inflated, then they will wear down unevenly, which quickly leads to irreparable damage.
At Auto Exhausts and Tyres, we are a team of fully qualified, highly experienced tyre experts, trusted by customers across the UK.
We offer a wide range of specialist services, including tyre fitting, alignment and safety checks. With our assistance, you can keep your vehicle performing at its best, for longer.
To find out more about tyre care best practices, or to book a tyre replacement for your vehicle, our team are on hand to help.
