Tyre rotation before trips
Regularly rotating the tyres on a vehicle will help achieve more uniform wear and extend the life of your tyres. What that means is you can expect to pack in more scenic routes on your cross-country road trips before investing in a new set of tyres. The standard recommendation for tyre rotation is approximately every 5,000 – 8,000 miles or 8,000 - 12,800 kilometres.
If you notice uneven wear on one or more of your tyres, however, you should ask your local tyre retailer to check for any misalignment, imbalance, or other possible cause before rotating them.
Don't overload the vehicle
When planning for that family road trip, it’s tempting to load up the car boot with lots and lots of luggage. Whether it's packing a tent for a camping site, or a picnic hamper for the national park, you don't want to miss a thing. The trouble is, overloading a vehicle can shorten the life of your tyres. And every 90 kg of extra weight can reduce fuel economy by approximately 0.25 miles per litre. So, check the owner's documentation for the car's maximum load capacity.
Spare tyre planning
Speaking of the boot, this is also where your spare tyre is located. Before taking a road trip, give the spare a thorough inspection for tyre pressure and any other issues. If you’ve been carrying this spare in the boot for a long time, however, it might need replacing. That's because the age of the tyre can impair its performance; the rubber may have become cracked and brittle, for example.
Take regular breaks on long drives
Driving when tired is dangerous. When you're weary from travelling, you're less likely to be alert to potential hazards like potholes, road debris, and sudden stops and starts in traffic. Any of these things can cause trouble for your tyres, or perhaps even a collision with another car.
Nobody wants to spend their precious holiday gazing at the backside of a tow truck, so be sure to take regular breaks and rest stops for coffee and a snack. Check in at a roadside hotel if necessary. Your and your passengers’ safety is paramount for a successful road trip.