It’s essential that your car is safe to drive and operates at its best. Having good–quality tyres and keeping them well-maintained is one of the most important things you can do for your vehicle. The tyres are the only part of your car that has friction with the road. Poor maintenance can lead to accidents and expensive repairs. There are two options for tyre maintenance: tyre repair and tyre replacement.
Both services concern tyres, but they are very different. Tyre repair involves fixing your tyre to prolong its useful life when it’s damaged (e.g., a small damage like a puncture or cut). Conversely, tyre replacement is needed if the tyre is too damaged or the tyre’s lifespan has expired (through ageing, wear, or tear).
Understanding Tyre Damage
The possibilities for damage to your tyres can be broadly characterised by punctures, cuts and/or bulges. Punctures and cuts are mainly caused by impact with sharp objects (eg, a nail, screw) or sharp edges (eg, a curb, signpost, road marker). Other times, damage to the tyre can come from some road debris that might hit your tyre with such an impact speed and angle as to penetrate the rubber, for example, hitting the sidewall as you ride over debris in the road. The third type of damage – the bulge – manifests as an outward protrusion of the area around where your tyre hit a curb or a sharp object and the internal structure of your tyre got damaged.
Losing tread depth over time can create a platform for punctures or cuts, especially when a road’s surface is deteriorated or potholed, and you find yourself navigating over jagged debris. Poor tyre maintenance can also lead to increased damage, such as when you run your tyres underinflated or overinflated, as it wears them out prematurely, making them more vulnerable to damage.
Tyre Repair Services
It is a process in which the damaged portion of the tyre is reinforced to extend the life of a tyre, saving you money in the long run. Different types of tyre repair exist, such as plug, patch, etc. A plug repair is a method in which the plug is inserted into the opening of the wound inside the tyre to make it watertight. A patch is used to cover the damaged portion on the internal surface of the tyre. A combination repair is a mixture of both plug and patch in the same tyre, where both are used for strength.
Typically, tyre repair is a viable option, but it’s important to understand all potential drawbacks. The location of the damage will tell you if a repair is a viable option. Punctures or cuts on the sidewall or shoulder of the tyre are typically not repairable because of the high stress and flexing of the tyre wall in these areas. If the puncture or cut is too large or multiple punctures close, a repair may not be adequate to retain the tyre’s integrity – in this case, replacing the tyre would be safer and more appropriate.
Of course, if you would rather leave your tyre repair to the professionals for convenience, some companies do offer onsite or mobile tyre repair in Singapore will come to you – at home, work, or roadside. Although DIY tyre repair kits promise easy tyre repairs, knowing their limitations and potential hazards is crucial.
Tyre Replacement Services
On the other hand, tyre replacement is a maintenance service that removes your car’s current worn out, damaged or old tyres with another new tyre. Knowing when to replace your tyres is crucial to maintaining your vehicle’s safety, performance, and longevity. Some signs to get your tyres replaced are low tread depth (under 1.6mm), old age (over 3 years), and severe damages such as big cuts, bulges, or multiple punctures that can’t be repaired.
You must consider size, type, brand, and others to ensure the fitted tyre will suit your car and your driving style, generally using tyres from established brands for quality and endurance. Enhance the tyre replacement experience using Singapore’s onsite or mobile tyre replacement service. This tyre replacement service brings the tyre shop to your house or the accident site, so you don’t have time to waste driving the car to the repair shop.
Is it worth buying new tyres or can we buy used tyres? New tyres are recommended, given that it’s the safer option, and you can create better driving experiences. But if you’re on a tight budget, you can opt for a high-quality used tyres from a reputable tyre dealer, and the tyre must have enough tread stays left in the tyre.
Deciding Between Tyre Repair and Replacement – Which One Do You Need?
First, determine the severity and placement of the damage. Punctures and cuts to the tread area are often repairable, particularly if the damage is minor and the tyre is still fairly young. Damage to the sidewall or shoulder of the tyre, as well as larger cuts and multiple punctures, may be a candidate for replacement. Additionally, it’s important to consider the tyre’s age and overall wear. If your tyres are nearing the end of their usable life or show extensive signs of wear, it may be wiser to replace them even if the damage appears repairable.
Cost and safety over time are also important factors. In the short term, a repair can be less costly, but it’s important to consider whether it will prove to be as strong and effective as a new tyre or if your wallet won’t be better off in the long run if the repaired tyre fails prematurely or could compromise your safety on the road. Repairs require immediate attention, and replacement generally provides a better solution for your vehicle’s tyres.
Preventive Measures to Extend Tyre Life
Maintaining proper inflation in your tyres will help evenly distribute the weight, lowering tyre wear, improving fuel efficiency, and giving you a comfortable ride. If possible, your tyres should be rotated every 10,000km to even out the wear and prevent irregular tread wear patterns. Balancing a tyre will ensure that it remains true to the rim as it spins; this will help prevent uneven tyre wear, vibration, steering difficulty, and premature tyre malfunction.
Avoid hard acceleration, hard braking, and hard cornering, which all place undue stress on the tyres and contribute to early wearing or unever wearing. Keep an eye on the road ahead and avoid potholes, curbs, and other road hazards that can damage your car tyres. When your tyres exhibit these problems, get repairs done promptly.
Choosing a Reliable Tyre Service Provider in Singapore
You must consider a few things: reputation, experience, range of services, and customer support. Choose a provider that always delivers high-quality workmanship and uses premium materials during repairs. A provider that offers both tyre repair and tyre replacement services is worth hiring, as this allows you to have a provider that can take a holistic approach to tyre maintenance.
Another important consideration when choosing a service provider is whether the provider offers onsite or mobile tyre repair and replacement services. Companies like Arrow Tyres, a one-stop tyre store in Singapore, stand out with their large inventory of tyres, giving you options for all vehicles and their mobile tyre and car battery replacement services.
When you experience tyre issues at home, at work or on the roadside, our mobile tyre services offer you the convenience of reaching out to us and taking advantage of prompt attention that can be conducted at your doorstep without the hassle of transporting your vehicle to a tyre shop. Moreover, since our tyre services are provided onsite, we can assess your tyre needs based on your car’s specifics and driving behaviours. By placing your tyres in our care, you will know you can reach us daily and wherever you are.