As the temperature drops and roads get wetter, your tyres go through more stress than usual. Winter in Sydney isn’t all snow and ice, but don’t let that fool you. As the weather gets cold, it can also affect our grip and your tyres need some changes.
But the question is, what are the changes needed? This guide breaks down what you actually need to do to get your tyres winter-ready without the jargon. Whether you’re booking a quick check or looking to buy tyres online, these tips will help you stay ahead.
At Eagle Tyres, we always recommend having an extra spare tyre in case you need it.
1. Always check tread depth properly
One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming their thread is fine just because it “looks alright.”
You need to make sure that your tyre is pushing away the water and it has enough grip. The legal limit in Australia is 1.5mm. But for wet weather, you want 3mm or more.
Grab a 20-cent coin and stick it into the tread. If the bill of the platypus is visible, it’s time to start looking for replacements. Not sure? A quick visit to a tyre shop in Sydney can help confirm it.
2. Inspect for Cracks, Bubbles, and Uneven Wear
Always check the cracks in the winter. If you haven’t checked your tyres in a while, now’s the time.
Run your hand across the surface. Feel anything odd? It could be alignment issues or inflation problems. Booking a quick tyre service in Sydney can catch these problems early and save you from getting stuck on the roadside later.
3. Adjust Your Tyre Pressure for Colder Weather
Tyre pressure drops with the temperature. The drop is small but it can affect you a lot. It is about 1 PSI for every 5°C drop, on average. Underinflated tyres are damaged faster than you think. Moreover, it also uses more fuel, as compared to the normal ones.
Get in the habit of checking your pressure weekly during winter. You can find the recommended pressure for your car on the inside of the driver’s door or in the manual. If you don’t have a gauge, most local service stations do or just swing by a trusted tyre shop in Sydney for a quick check.
4. Rotate Your Tyres for Better Grip
Front tyres wear faster than rear ones, especially if you drive a front-wheel drive car. That means an uneven grip, which gets riskier in wet or slippery conditions. You should rotate your tyres every 7,000 to 10,000 km as it helps even things out and gives you better performance all around.
If you’re unsure when yours were last rotated, a professional tyre service in Sydney can check and get it sorted. It’s a quick job, but it makes a noticeable difference.
5. Don’t Mix and Match Tyres
This one’s important. Some drivers try to save money by only replacing one or two tyres at a time. But having different brands, treads, or even slightly different wear levels can affect your traction, especially in winter.
If your tyres are due for replacement, it’s safer to replace them as a full set or in pairs (front or rear). You don’t need to break the bank, either. You can buy tyres online from Eagle Tyres and get great deals on quality brands, with fitting and balancing included.
6. Consider All-Season or Winter Tyres (if needed)
In most parts of Sydney, you can get away with good all-season tyres, but if you’re planning a trip to the mountains or colder regions, it might be worth switching to winter-rated tyres. These have deeper tread and softer rubber, giving you better control in cold, wet conditions.
The team at Eagle Tyres can help you figure out what suits your driving needs best. And if you’d rather not visit in person, you can always buy tyres online and get them delivered or fitted locally.
7. Buy Tyres Online for Spare in Winter
Everyone checks their main tyres, but most people forget the spare until they need it. Make sure it’s properly inflated and hasn’t gone flat sitting in the boot for months. Also, check that the tools (jack, wrench) are still in there and in working condition.
If your spare looks worse for wear, you can easily pick up a replacement when you’re shopping for wheels and tyres in Sydney, and yes, you can find spares when you buy tyres online from Eagle Tyres.
Final Winter Driving Tips
- Leave extra space between you and the car ahead, as wet roads need more stopping time.
- Avoid sharp braking or fast cornering.
- If your car feels “floaty” or loose, your tyres could be the problem.
- Keep an emergency kit in the boot, spare tyre, jumper cables, torch, and gloves.
Wrapping It Up
To conclude, these are a few things you need to keep in mind during winter.
We highly recommend keeping a spare tyre. You can buy premium and cheap tyres online from Eagle Tyres at a discounted rate.
