Ask Mabs: Guide to keeping your car tyres in great standing

Dear Mabs

I am so heartbroken and angry as hell. Two weekends ago, during the heavy storm in Joburg, I hit a huge pothole and damaged a tyre and the rim of my car. The tyre instantly went flat on impact and I was reluctant to drive the car even though it has run-flats. Roadside assistance came to my rescue and loaned me a spare tyre to continue with my trip.

During the week I put in a claim through my insurance to replace both tyres and rim. I was given the runaround and told about the high volume of claims emanating from the stormy weekend. Following an ‘investigation’ the insurance has repudiated my claim. I was told that my tyres were in bad condition long before I hit the pothole.

They looked at the thread of the rest of the tyres and blamed me for negligence. To replace both the tyre and the rim, will cost me in the region of R35 000 for a cheap brand. I am really angry because I feel like I have been given a raw deal. I no longer have the loaned tyre from road roadside assist and I cannot drive my car. Everyone knows that potholes on Joburg’s roads are a nightmare, and they are worse during the rainy season.

I feel like they are using the condition of my tyres as an excuse to get out of paying for this replacement. I am livid at being treated with such disdain. Is there a way I can force them to pay out my claim?

Mabs answers:

I fully understand your frustration and disappointment. I sympathise with you because R35 000 is no small change. However, there is a lot to be said about tyre maintenance. While tyres are an extremely important element of any vehicle, their care tends to be overlooked. At times, we tend to look at them as a grudge buy which is a big mistake especially when you live in South Africa, where municipalities do not prioritise taking care of our roads. It might be late for you now, but let this serve as an important lesson for all motorists.

I cannot over-emphasise the importance of keeping your tyres in great shape. It can save you thousands of rands and from heartache in the long run. They are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road.

Check tyre pressure

As a start, you need to check your tyres at least once a month using an accurate tyre pressure gauge. It is advisable to do so when tyres are cool, particularly in the mornings before leaving your home. During this test, ensure that they are properly inflated. Maintaining proper inflation pressure will help your tyres to last longer and stay durable. The recommended level can be found in the owner’s manual.

Underinflation reduces load capacity, leads to heat and mechanical damage to tyres.

Check for thread

Always check your tyres for wear and ensure that they have a good thread. Also, wet weather accidents may occur from skidding on bald or nearly bald tyres. Excessively worn tyres are also more likely to suffer punctures.

Regulate your driving style

Let’s face it, deep down we admire people who can spin cars and do those intricate doughnut. But, it wears down tyres and insurance brokers warn against it. Here’s a list of bad habits to avoid: