Will Your Tyres Last Longer If You Don’t Drive Often?

It is a common misconception that not driving your vehicle will help extend the life of your tyres. In fact, not driving your vehicle can actually have the opposite effect and cause your tyres to wear out more quickly. Here's why:

Tyres Naturally Degrade Over Time

Tyres are made of rubber, which is a naturally porous material that can absorb moisture and other contaminants from the air. Over time, this can cause the tyres to dry out, crack, and lose their elasticity. In addition, the heat generated from driving can cause the tyre tread to break down and wear out. As a result, all car tyres will eventually need to be replaced, regardless of how much they are used.

Lack Of Use Can Cause Flat Spotting

When a tyre is stationary for an extended period of time, it can develop flat spotting, which is a condition where the tyre becomes visibly distorted and develops a flat spot on the tread. This can occur if the tyre is parked in the same spot for a long time, or if the vehicle is not driven regularly. Flat spotting can cause the tyre to become unbalanced and may result in a rough ride or reduced tyre life.

Inflation Pressure Can Drop

Tyres naturally lose air over time, and if a tyre is not driven regularly, the air pressure can drop to a level that is too low. This can cause the tyre to flex excessively and generate more heat, which can lead to increased tread wear. It is important to check the tyre pressure regularly and inflate the tyres to the recommended pressure to help extend their life.

Corrosion Can Occur

If a tyre is not driven for an extended period of time, it can become susceptible to corrosion. This can occur when moisture and contaminants accumulate on the tyre, and can cause the tyre to become weakened and prone to failure. To help prevent corrosion, it is important to store your tyres in a dry, cool place and to keep them clean and free of debris.

Despite these factors, there are a few things that you can do to help extend the life of your tyres if you don't drive your vehicle regularly:

1. Store the vehicle in a garage: Storing your vehicle in a garage can help protect the tyres from the elements and prevent flat spotting. It is also a good idea to use tyre covers or place cardboard or wood blocks under the tyres to help distribute the weight of the vehicle and prevent flat spotting.
2. Check the tyre pressure regularly: As mentioned above, it is important to check the tyre pressure regularly and inflate the tyres to the recommended pressure to help extend their life.
3. Rotate the tyres: Even if you don't drive your vehicle regularly, it is a good idea to rotate the tyres every few months to help even out the tread wear. This can help extend the life of your tyres and ensure that they wear evenly.
4. Avoid prolonged periods of inactivity: If you don't plan on driving your vehicle for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to drive it at least a few miles every week to help prevent flat spotting and ensure that the tyres remain properly inflated.

In conclusion, while not driving your vehicle will not necessarily extend the life of your tyres, there are a few things that you can do to help prevent premature tyre wear and ensure that your tyres last as long as possible. These include storing the vehicle in a garage, checking the tyre pressure regularly, rotating the tyres, and avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity.

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