Regular tyre checks are important but not just to ensure your tyres are within the legal tread limit. The condition of your tyres can give an early warning for any suspension problems and incorrect inflation can affect both wear and performance.
When inflating your cars tyres, follow the pressures shown in the manufacturers hand book. The pressures shown on the side wall are the safe maximum inflation under a specific load, not the pressure for road use. An under inflated tyre will cause increased wear on the outer shoulders of the tyre as well as reducing fuel efficiency. Over inflation causes increased wear in the centre of the tyre tread as the centre bulges out. Make sure all tyres are inflated to matching pressure. Differences, particularly between front and back, can adversely change the handling characteristics of the vehicle.
If your tyres show uneven wear on only one side, this will be caused improper wheel alignment. The suspension will need to be adjusted by a mechanic to rectify this. Careful driving (avoiding bumping up kerbs etc.) will keep your suspension in good order. Wheel wobble, manifesting itself as a vibration through the steering wheel at certain speeds, can cause increased wear and is rectified by a wheel balance.
Tyre wear
