THE MOST POPULAR TYRES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Bridgestone

Continental

Goodyear

Michelin

Barum

Khumo

Pirelli

Hankook

Yokohama

GT Radial

General

Daytona

Identify with your own brand, if your brand is not here please let us know

SPARE WHEELS

Have you ever pondered to think about the most important accessory in your car? is it the cigar lighter? the bluetooth, your toolkit? or your jack-wheel spanner-sparewheel, these important things differ according to our personal experiences, but getting stuck at the side of the road because of punctured tyre or burst can be nightmarish if you dont have spare wheel and accessories,

Imagine, getting stuck where there s no help. My advice always check your spare when ever you want to make long journeys, make sure its in good condition, never be a stunt-personj by driving without a spare wheel at all, it saves lives

DO NOT PANIC WHEN YOU HAVE A TYRE BLOWOUT WHILE DRIVING; THINGS TO DO

(1) DON'T PANIC in the event of a blowout, calm yourself down fast because you may start to loose control, you need to take charge.

(2) Hold FIRMLY to your steering wheel with both hand, NO VIGOROUS TURNING, as you concentrate on the road and your mirrors, in seconds study the movement pattern of the car. Your car will naturally swerve to the direction of the blown tyre.

(3) Gradually take off your foot from the accelerator, DON'T ATTEMPT TO PRESS THE BRAKES, IF YOU DO, YOU HAVE A 95% CHANCE OF A SOMERSAULT. The car will decelerate gradually while you concentrate on the road to avoid collision with any other road user.

(4) Disengage the gears of the car by shifting to neutral (N) as you still maintain a firm grip on the sheering wheel and put your eyes on the road.

(5) After a while depending on your initial speed, your car comes to a speed less than 60km/h when it is now safe to GRADUALLY apply the brakes and navigate to the side walk

(6) Ultimately, it is now safe to put the car to a complete stop and turn off the engine. You have just saved yourself and passengers from untimely death.

NOTE:

Of course, everyone in the car will be in a panic mode BUT this is NOT THE TIME TO LISTEN TO THEM, it is TIME TO CONCENTRATE.

Please, don't just read share on your page and copy to other platforms, you may just be about to save a life.

BRIEF HISTORY OF HANKOOK TYRES

Hankook Tyre was established by Jae Hun Chung's grandfather in 1941 as the Chosun Tyre Company and was renamed to Hankook Tire Manufacturing in 1968. Both words Choson and Hankook (Hanguk) refer to the names of the ancient and historic kingdoms of Korea.

Hankook Tyre's worldwide reputation has largely grown due to its radial tire and bias-ply tire production. The company now supplies tyres as original equipment to various automakers. In addition to producing about 92 million tyres per year, the company also sells batteries, alloy wheels, and brake pads.

Hankook Tyre Co. has announced that the company will invest $1.1 billion to build a factory in West Java, Indonesia as part of a plan to become the 5th largest tyre manufacturer in the world.On June 9, 2011 a ground breaking ceremony was held at a 60-hectare area as a regional hub production for export to Asian, North America and Middle East countries

In October 2013, the company announced plans to open a new factory in Tennessee.

Hankook tyre is one of the most popular tyre in South Africa after Bridgestone, Goodyear and Michelin

A Brief explain on How tyres are made

The manufacturing process:

Blend

In this process up to 30 different kinds of rubber, fillers and other ingredients and chemical are added, These ingredients are mixed together in giant blenders to create a black, sticky compound that will be sent on to the other process called milling.

Mill

Here the rubber is cooled and the cooled rubber is cut into strips that will form the basic structure of the tyre itself. At the milling stage, other components of the tyre are prepared, some of which are then coated in another type of rubber and then this rubbers are sent to another process called the build.

Build

Here the rubber is ready to be moulded into tyre – from the inside out. The textile elements, steel belts, beads, ply, tread, and other components are placed in a tyre-building machine. The result is a ‘green tyre’ – a tyre that is beginning to look finished.

Cure

The green tyre is sent to the cure to be vulcanised with hot moulds in a curing machine, compressing all of the parts of the tyre together and giving the tyre its final shape, including its tread pattern and manufacturer’s sidewall markings.

Inspect

Here Trained inspectors using special machinery will now carefully check each tyre for the slightest blemish or imperfection before it can be shipped for sale.

Also a selection of tyres is pulled from the line for x-raying to check for potential internal weaknesses or failures. Also quality control engineers also randomly select tyres off the line and cut them open to ensure they meet standards.

8 important facts you should know about tyres

8 important facts you should know about tyres

- Tyres are the #1 most important part of your vehicle safety and control.

- 10% of all vehicles on the road are driving with at least 1 bald tyre.

- The minimum legal limit for your tyre tread depth is 1.6mm.

- Tyres that have a tread depth of 1.6mm are only 55% as effective when compared to new tyres.

- 67% of all drivers don't know how to tell if their tyres are bald.

- Half a barrel of crude oil is used to make one truck tyre.

- Tyres inflated to the recommended pressure can improve fuel economy by 10%.

- Men are 30% more likely to know how to change a flat tyre

SNOW TYRES OR ALL TERRAIN TYRES; WHICH ONE TO GO WITH?

SNOW TYRES OR ALL TERRAIN TYRES; WHICH ONE TO GO WITH?

During the winter,you need a good tyre to safely handle seasonal hazards, you should fit your vehicle with the proper tyres. But which tyres are better: all-terrain or snow?
Both types are designed to improve the functionality of a vehicle more than standard tyres, but they’re significantly different from each other.
All-Terrain Tyres
All-terrain tyres are designed to be used year-round and provide traction in rough conditions. They’re also designed to be versatile so drivers can be confident when driving on off roads but still experience smooth rides on highways and city streets.
All-terrain tyres are also engineered to be strong and dependable when you take your vehicle on off roads. They’re more resistant to punctures and cuts than standard tyres.

Snow Tyres
Snow tyres have flat shoulders instead of oval ones, which allows these tyres to really dig into the snow. its deep grooves work to stabilize grip and traction on slippery surfaces. The engineering of these tires also prevents lateral hydroplaning and sliding through the snow.
The rubber compounds in snow tyres are designed to remain soft and not tense up in freezing temperatures. This allows your vehicle to grip the road in rough winter conditions.

ADVANTAGES

If you everyday drive on snow or icy roads that usually aren’t well plowed, you should equip your vehicle with snow tyres. The advantages to snow tyres are unbeatable when you need grip, traction, and control in hazardous, snowy road conditions.

DISADVANTAGES
disadvantages of snow tyres are once the weather warms up in the spring, you’ll have to swap your snow tyres for a different set since snow tyres are not good in warm weather. This means you’ll have to deal with the inconvenience of storing the snow tyres and reinstalling them on your vehicle for the next winter season. Snow tyres also don’t last as long as other tyres, so you’ll most likely need to replace them every two years or so.

all-terrain tyres will give you the traction and grip you need. You also won’t have to swap them out when there is a warmer weather because they’re designed to handle both cold and warm temperatures.
So when it comes down to these, whether to use snow tyres or all-terrain tyres depends on where you live and the amount of snow you’re likely to get in the winter. For some drivers, snow tyres are the best option, but for others, all-terrain tires are more convenient.

GET TO KNOW MUD-TERRAIN TYRES

GET TO KNOW MUD-TERRAIN TYRES
What is mud-terrain tyre?
Mud-terrain tyres is a tyre that has an aggressive, heavy blocked approach on its tread patterns designed for off-road use in rugged, mud, rocks and uneven terrain. These tyres are often produced in large sizes with reinforced heavy-duty materials.
What kind of drivers use mud-terrain tires?

Drivers who purchase mud-terrain tyres range from off-road enthusiasts,adventurers to those who simply want a more aggressive looking tyre for there 4x4s.
FAQS
-Can mud-terrain tires be driven on the street?
Yes, it is legal to drive mud-terrain tyres in tars and streets as long as you drive safe, but if the vast majority of your driving is on the street, you may be better suited choosing a tyre that is hard-terrain or all terrain.
-How long do mud-terrain tires last?
Treadwear on mud-terrain tyres can vary quite a bit depending on driving style, driving conditions, vehicle set-up and other factors. Average on a vehicle that's not heavily modified is about 60,000 to 80,000 miles of mixed off-road and street driving.
-What are the disadvantages of using aggressive mud-terrain tyres?
it makes noise on tar and street. Most mud-terrain tyres also use heavy-duty construction methods that include thicker and more numerous sidewall plys. While this increases abrasion resistance, the reinforcement can make for a firm ride. The large blocky tread patterns of most these tyres lack smaller tread blocks and sipes that are needed for good snow and ice traction. As a result, better snow and ice traction can usually be found with an all-terrain tyre
here are some popular mud-terrain tires?
Below are a few options of Off-Road Maximum Traction tires we carry:
BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2
Dunlop Radial Mud Rover
Firestone Destination M/T
Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar
Kumho Road Venture MT KL71
Yokohama Geolandar M/T Plus
Maxxis mudder

LIFE-HACKS(ESSENTIAL THINGS A PERSON SHOULD ENDEAVOR TO HAVE IN THEIR CARS)

SPARE TYRE; A Spare tyre, sometimes we buy a car without a spare tyre, its a good thing to check and try to replace if your car does not come with a spare tyre, before every long trip check the condition of your spare tyre, if the tyre needs replacement(sometimes even though the tyres are not used may expire and have cracks which undermines the usability of the tyre)

WHEEL JACK OR JACK; This is a device which is usually placed under a vehicle to lift it up and change a tyre, most mordern cars comes with a jack but check yours and try to get one if you dont have because it will save your life and time one day.

JUMPER CABLES; these are cables that aid a flat or an un charged battery get a boost from other electric sources or mainly from batteries, it usually comes in red and black colours, red for positive and black for negative.

TYRE PUNCTURE AND FIXING KIT; This kit consists of a tyre plug, tyre liquid sealant, small inflater machine and other tyre puncture driver, ask about tyre repair kit from hardware shops near you.

BRIEF HISTORY OF BRIDGESTONE TYRES

The Bridgestone brand is one of the most popular tyre brands in the whole wide world, it has more than 50,000 employees and 52 production companies around the world.But every successful business has a starting point,

The History of Bridgestone – Starting point

Shojiro Ishibashi, was a humble japanese who would later become the founder of the Bridgestone Tire Company, he started managing and running his family-owned clothing business at the age of 17. He decided to use his savings to invest in rubber industry in Japan: he started with socks called tabi socks that have rubber soles for working in factories, then he delved into tire making.

On April 9, 1930, Ishibashi’s dream of producing tyres domestically became a reality when his own in-house operation, referred to as the Japan “Tabi” socks Tyre Division, manufactured the first Bridgestone tyre.

On March 1, 1931, Ishibashi formed the Bridgestone Tyre Company, Ltd. in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, a city in Japan. For more than 50 years, Bridgestone continued to evolve and eventually established itself not only as the largest manufacturer of tyres in the country, but also as an international brand. However, they faced many challenges along the way.

During its early days, the Bridgestone Tyre Company was stalled by production, technology and sales-related issues.

And then came World War II, which was the necessitated the destruction of its Tokyo Headquarters along with the complete eradication of assets located overseas.

Fortunately, the war came to an end and the emerging tyre and rubber manufacturer was also able to open a plant in Singapore in 1965. And in 1967, the Bridgestone Tyre Company of America was formed.

Technological Advancements;

In 1951, Bridgestone introduced rayon cord tyres to Japan. And only eight years later, it added nylon tyres to its arsenal of products. The tire and rubber giant also opened another plant in Tokyo in 1960. Bridgestone began selling passenger-vehicle tyres, known as RD-10s, in 1967. In 1978, it put the high-performance radial tire, POTENZA, on the market.

The Merger

Although Bridgestone’s founder passed away in 1976, the company continued to grow. It purchased the Firestone Tyre & Rubber Company plant, located in Tennessee, in 1982 and in 1988 the company made the decision to shift to a global corporation by acquiring The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company. This well-established company was founded in August 1900 by Harvey Firestone in Akron, Ohio, and had already made a mark internationally in the evolving tire and rubber industry. Following the merger, the newly formed Bridgestone Group quickly claimed its share of the market as one of the largest global tire and rubber entities.

Since the merger, Bridgestone remains committed to excellence and desires to go the extra mile to serve both customers and society with quality products.

INTERESTING HISTORIES ON TYRES(THE STORY OF MICHELIN MAN)

During the Lyon Universal Exhibition of 1894, the Michelin brothers noticed a pile of tyres on their exhibition stand. Édouard Michelin was amazed and said to his brother André Michelin, “Look, with arms it would make a man.” this would be a memorable day for André Michelin
After 4 years, when looking at an advertising sketch for a brasserie drawn by the artist O’Galop, André Michelin had an idea: why not replace the bearded giant raising his beer mug with a man made of a pile of tyres and holding a cup filled with nails and broken glass. The latin quote by Horace, “Nunc est Bibendum” which means now it is time to drink declared by the character was also reused by Michelin brothers.
this advert was used for years to convince the engineers then who are using iron and other materials for wheels that a rubber tyre is best

soon the Michelin Man was born and he began to play a major role for the tyre company: it was he who presented the products and advised and assisted motorists, becoming the brand’s worldwide ambassador.

In 1905, Michelin opened a sales office in London. A knight costume was added to The Michelin Man, so he changed into a knight to conquer this new territory, wearing a helmet and carrying a shield. For his coat of arms, the spectacles, the cup, a cigar, and the cross-section of a tyre with a nail incapable of puncturing it. a line from Tennyson was adapted to promote this tyres, “My strength is as the strength of ten, because my rubber is pure.”

By 1907 the Michelin Man crossed the ocean to set up a factory in Milltown, New Jersey. The advertising became more educational: the Michelin Man was depicted as a giant accompanying and advising travellers by explaining the advantages of tyres.

From 1907 to 1915, the Agenzia dei Italia Pneumatici Michelin published a monthly review sent to its customers by post. It copied the fun but educational format of the “Michelin Mondays”(another article) in France. But care was taken with the front cover, which naturally involved the Michelin Man. The Italians turned the character into even more of a hero than he was in France. On this cover the Michelin Man is a sort of diplomat idolised by women.

By 1914, Michelin adopted styles from many artist, but being guided by the normal michelin man packed tyres shape smoking a cigar and wearing spectacles representing the customer of those times.

In 1922, North African Michelin man by Roger Brooders, shows michelin man as a mascot dressed in bedoiun adopting the local costume of that side as of that time also wearing babouches and djellabas

From the 1930s onwards, Michelin made increasingly less use of outside artists. As a result, images of the Michelin Man became more standard, although there were country-specific variants. Adapting to the evolution of tyres, his rings became thicker and the character dropped his wealthy image to move closer to a broader customer base until what we see today.

INTERESTING HISTORY ABOUT TYRES THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW
there is more to tyres than the way you know it as what you use everyday to help the mobility of your car here are some 10 intresting facts

1. Charles Goodyear invented vulcanized rubber in 1844. This was the rubber that was later used for tyres. Goodyear tyres are still thriving today!

2. In 1888, John Dunlop invented the air-filled, or pneumatic tyres, however, his were for bicycles, not cars.

3. In 1895, André Michelin was the first person to use pneumatic tyres on an automobile, however, not successfully.

4. In 1911, Philip Strauss invented the first successful tyre, which was a combination tyre and air filled inner tube. Strauss’ company, the Hardman Tire & Rubber Company, marketed the tyres.

5. In 1903, P.W. Litchfield of the Goodyear Tyre Company patented the first tubeless tyre. It wasn’t used commercially for more than 50 years, until it was used with the 1954 Packard.

6. In 1904, mountable rims were introduced that allowed drivers to fix their own flats.

7. In 1908, Frank Seiberling invented grooved tyres that improved road traction.

8. In 1910, the B.F. Goodrich Company invented longer life tyres by adding carbon to the rubber.

9. Goodrich also invented the first synthetic rubber tyres in 1937.

10. In 1947, B. F. Goodrich invented a tubeless tyre. After successful testing for the tyres, Goodrich won the patents for the tyre’s various features( 1952). By 1955 the new tubeless tyre came standard on most new automobiles.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A NEW SET OF SPORT OR UPGRADE RIMS

there are few things that must be considered when choosing a wheel for your car. That is why understanding the characteristics of the various types of wheels and rims along with the various features of these items helps to guide the you in finding the suitable ones for your vehicle. The size of the rims directly affect how the vehicle performs when in motion. The material the rims are constructed from determines how well they will hold up to various driving conditions also. It is important to also know the proper measurements suitable for the vehicle when changing wheel and rim sizes to larger models. rims can be purchased at tyre centers, car dealerships or online.

Wheel and Rim Materials

The terms “wheel ”and “rim” are both used to refer to the metal center that is mounted to the axle of a vehicle and is used to support the tire. Wheels come in various materials which change the way the car can be used. Some materials are lightweight while others can stand up to heavy-duty use. This section of the guide covers various types of wheels and rims and what they are best suited for in regards to use. The table below is a list of the most common wheel materials that are on personal vehicles today.

TYPES OF MATERIALS USED IN MAKING RIMS AND THEIR DISADVANTAGES

Light wheels that are perfect for aesthetics and speed such as racing wheels, more resistant to corrosion than the steel counterpart

DISADVANTAGES;Not as durable as other wheels for use in rugged terrain, more prone to breaking or cracking when used in harsh conditions

Chrome

Chrome wheels have high polished shine, great for aesthetic appeal

DISADVANTAGES; Needs regular cleaning to keep lustre from fading

Steel

Typically steel wheels give vehicle lower center of gravity. Heavy and durable, this wheel is great for rugged terrain or snow

DISADVANTAGES; Lower cast ability for customization purposes than alloys; offers less speed than other models due to weight, also less appealing

Wire (Spoke)

Extremely light, wire wheels still give adequate vehicle support, multiple wires or spokes add aesthetic appeal

DISADVANTAGES; Takes longer to clean because of multiple wires or spokes than other wheel types

Terrain is an important factor to consider when it comes to getting rims that can handle that everyday wear and tear and yet still remain durable and long-lasting. One of the measures used to determine what rim is appropriate for a vehicle is to consider the primary terrain that the vehicle uses the most. For a vehicle that is primarily used for off-road pleasure, the wheels or rims should be selected based on that primary function. Heavy duty wheels and rims are not necessary for road travel because they can affect handling, reduce speed and the fuel economy of the vehicle.

Sizing for New Wheels and Rims;

The size of the rims also affects the performance of the vehicle. Wheels and rims that are either too large or too small can damage various components of the vehicle and affect such things as timing of the transmission, computer components, and it can even affect the overall control of the braking system. Wheels and rims that are too heavy for the vehicle can increase tire wear and fuel economy and give the vehicle a rough ride.

Taking Measurements

When choosing to upgrade rims to a larger size,one needs to know what size of rims the vehicle will allow because the size plays an important role in the overall handling performance of the vehicle. Not having the proper rims for the vehicle causes damage to the tyres which can be risky when traveling on bad road conditions. The rims must also be strong enough to support the weight of the vehicle and durable enough that they do not bend or crack under pressure from road hazards such as deep potholes.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN MEASURING FOR RIMS

Measure how wide the wheel is from left edge to right edge

Diameter

Measure how tall the wheel stands from top to bottom

Bolt Pattern

How many bolts; measure width of bolt circle with bolt circle gauge or use measuring tape and starting at edge of first bolt hole, measure to the center of the third bolt hole, skipping the second one

Backspace

Measure clearance of wheel from wheel well; easiest done by placing a straightedge diagonally along top back side of rim to inboard flange; then measure from contact point of inboard flange until hub mounting surface is reached

Offset

Measure distance from hub mounting surface to the wheel centerline to find either the positive or negative offset; positive offset has a hub-mounting surface that faces the wheel side of the wheel which is typical of front-wheel drive vehicles; negative offset faces brakeside of the wheel centerline and is typical of “deep dish” style wheels; zero offset has an even hub mounting surface with wheel centerline, by doing this you eliminate guess-work, also it helps to find wheels that cannot quarrel with brake calipers, or rims that will over-work your diffs and bearings etc

Finding the Rim Size on Tires

Among other things, a very important piece of information that a person needs to know when changing wheels is the size of wheels currently on the car, especially if they plan on sticking with the same size of tyre(see earlier post on how to determine tyre size

HOW TO KNOW THE EXPIRY DATE OF A TYRE

Just like other materials being manufactured a tyre has an expiry date, normally a tyre is not suppose to last more than 5 years, because weather condition affects tyres, even a parked vehicle's tyre also expire,

The standard tyre is built to last for 4 years and if still in use after 4 years from the date of manufacture then its at your own risk because it can burst during high speeds or if you check you notice visible separations, which can disappoint you while driving.

Every manufactured tyre have a date of manufacture(DOM) always written like this (2415)
whereas 24 is the week on which it was produced and 15 is the year which it was produced, so while buying your tyres always check the manufacture date to avoid buying a ''close-to-expiry'' tyre, also it is important to check the dates if you are planning to buy used tyre for your vehicle, if you notice any visible small cracks from a tyre its a sign that the tyre life is already compromised, so as to stand in safe side always check a tyre's date of manufacture and other things(discussed previously) here is a picture of what it looks like below

TYPES OF RUN-FLAT TYRES(RFT)

runflat tyres simply means tyres that ensure mobility of a vehicle even when the tyre has lost pressure or has a blowout,

here are some types of runflat tyres available depending on the use

1. Self-Sealing Tyres

Self-sealing tyres are engineered to repair most tread-area punctures instantly and permanently. These tyres have a reinforced, specialized tyre construction with an additional interior lining underneath the tread that is coated with a proprietary resin (puncture sealing material similar to what we use on our self-sealing fuel tanks) that can help seal punctures from common road hazards such as nails, screws, glass, or other debris with a diameter of 3/16″ or less.

As soon as the special lining is punctured and the object is removed, it immediately heals or seals itself and fills in the gap to stop an air leak and prevent loss of air pressure. For small perforations, most drivers won’t even be aware that they suffered a puncture since they will never lose air pressure or experience a mobility crisis. For unarmored vehicles or for typical consumer use, self-sealing tires can be a good option to prevent a loss of mobility from small road hazards.

2. Self-Supporting Tyres or Run Flat Tyres (RFTs)

Self-supporting tyres feature a stiffer reinforced internal construction, that is capable of briefly supporting the weight of a vehicle during a loss of air pressure in the the tyre.Self-supporting RFTs will typically allow passenger vehicles to travel between 30-50 miles depending on the weight of the vehicle, travel speed, road conditions, and other factors.

3. Auxiliary Supported Run-Flat Systems these Tyres are Coupled with Run-Flat Inserts or Inner Supporting Rings

auxiliary-supported runflat systems combine special, inner security inserts combined with OEM wheel assemblies and heavy-duty tires with a high-load index. With this mobility solution, the run-flat insert is fitted around the OEM wheel or rim between the rubber tire and metal wheel. In the event of a blowout or loss of pressure, the rubber tire will deflate normally, and the vehicle will drop down onto the inner runflat insert which will come in contact with the rubber tyre and support the vehicle, helping keep the tyre in place for an extended period of time and protecting the OEM rim from impact with the driving surface

4. Tactical “Military-Style” Wheels With Specialized Runflats and/or Beadlock Systems

While traditional runflat inserts are an excellent solution for many applications, they can pose a risk for clients driving in particularly harsh environments we tire/wheel clearance (air gap) is critical—in a scenario where runflat inserts come into contact with a large pothole or road hazard and the impact is transferred from the insert directly to the OEM wheel, the OEM wheel can crack or break depending on the force of the impact and the construction of the wheel

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING USED TYRES

WHAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A USED TYRE

Looking up reviews about a tyre store is always a good start. Do they treat their customers well? Do they go above and beyond the basic level of service? Are they dependable and fair? If so, then they're worth looking into buying used tyres from. If they seem like they take cheap shortcuts and cause more problems for their customers than they fix, you might avoid them
Once you've determined a good place to shop, you'll want to take a look at the actual tyres.
Make sure you're looking at the correct sizes of tyres for your car. It's always a good idea to check your car's manual instead of assuming that your current tyres are the correct size because there maybe an alternative size also. If you don't have a car manual, you can also check for a metal tag in your driver's door jamb, your glove compartment door, or your fuel hatch.
Once you're looking at the right tyre size, then check the physical condition of the tyre for this possible wear and tear.
here are the hings you need to physically check
Tread Wear
Use a coin to figure out if the tyres have enough tread. Take a coin and put it in the middle of the tyre's tread. You want to be able to see the heads side of the coin, If the tread covers up to half, then the tyre has plenty of tread left. but proceed with caution.
Wear Distribution
wear distribution should be even across the face of the tyre. Be aware of wear that is only on one side of the tyre, is only in the middle of the tyre, is only on one place on the tyre, or is in spots across the tyre (cupping). Also look for bubbles or pockets of air underneath the rubber of the tire. Uneven wear diminishes the effectiveness of a tyre and can be dangerous to use.
Matching Treads
Try to find treads that match, whether this is replacing one tyre and matching it to your other tyres, or finding four tyres that all match each other. Having tires with the different treads can reduce the effectiveness of the tires as a set, causing more wear or dangerous driving conditions, at least try to find 2 treads that match.
Punctures/Patching
Check the sides (and insides, if you can) of the tyre for patches, plugs, etc. If a tyre has several repairs done to it, it's probably an indicator of a problem tyre.

IMPORTANCE OF WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Most people don't realize the importance of proper wheel alignment on our cars. they think that nothing much happens to their tyres other than an occasional puncture. It is very important that we regularly get our wheels aligned, it should be done as often as we get the car serviced.

Wheel alignment is making sure that the wheels of the car are perpendicular to the road; also, it makes sure that the wheels are parallel to one other.

Save Fuel

When the wheels of the car are not aligned there is uneven pressure on the tyres. They tend to push against each other. When that happens the car faces opposing friction and much more resistance from the road surface and causes the tyres to wear out un-uniformly and faster This means that your car has to work that much harder to move forward and more fuel is used than normal.


Cost Of New Tires

lack of alignment cause you to buy tyres often
More resistance to the road surface means more pressure on the rubber of your tyres. That leads to very quick wear and tear on the tyres. It results in the tyre becoming bald on one side.
 Not only is it dangerous to drive on uneven tires, it also means that you have to spend on new tires sooner.

Many of us think that everything is covered in the warranty of the tyre manufacturer. Take the time to read the fine print. No warranty is extended if the tyres are kept in shoddy condition. This is not a manufacturing defect; it is due to poor maintenance of the tyres on our part, and it is not fair to hold them responsible.

Safety
 consider the safety factor too. Have you ever driven a car which pulls itself to one side all the time? This is due to faulty wheel alignment. You probably know how difficult it is to drive on a wet  road even with perfectly aligned wheels. With badly aligned wheels, you are taking risk. money spent once in a while getting your wheels aligned can bring you peace of mind.

Strain On The Car

Having a car with badly aligned wheels also leads to other connected problems. Your brake shaft does not work to optimal levels. The tendency to pull to one side due to uneven tyres causes problems in the steering system. It also leads to uneven braking. Improper wheel alignments or not having your wheels aligned will affect the suspension of your car. The suspension in a car is made up of complicated and delicately balanced parts, and it is important that it should be perfect,

When Should You Get Your Wheels Aligned?

If you find that when your steering is pointing straight forward and the car veers to the right or left, that is an indicator of a necessary wheel alignment. Another indicator is when you find that one tyre is worn more than another.

The thumb rule is that you should get you wheels aligned once every 6000 miles or 6 months, whichever is earlier. You should also get your wheels aligned or at least checked by a professional

Note that wheel alignment is not the same as wheel balancing. Many people think that both are the same. Many tire retailers will tell you that they are the same thing. Wheel balancing is simply adjusting the balance between the tire and the rim. It is important not to get confused between the two.

DO YOU KNOW?

DO YOU KNOW?
wheels has been around since civilization, but the rise of something wonderful happened in 1888 when Scottish veterinarian John Boyd Dunlop invented the first air-filled or pneumatic tires. He attached rubber hoses to wooden wheels and covered the contact patches with thick canvas. He placed these first tires on a tricycle and took a test run, then from there innovations took on until what we see today

John Boyd Dunlop (5 February 1840 – 23 October 1921) was a Irish Scottish-born inventor and veterinary surgeon who spent most of his career in Ireland. Familiar with making rubber devices, he re-invented pneumatic tyres for his child's tricycle and developed them for use in cycle racing. He sold his rights to the pneumatic tyres to a company he formed with the president of the Irish Cyclists' Association, Harvey Du Cros, for a small cash sum and a small shareholding in their pneumatic tyre business. Dunlop withdrew in 1896. The company that bore his name, Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company, was not incorporated until later using the name well known to the public, but it was Du Cros's creation.