Transport Month: 5 tyre checks motorists cannot afford to ignore

28 Oct 2026 - From Arrive Alive

With fuel now above R30 a litre inland, taking care of the tyres beneath your car could help you avoid unnecessary costs

Transport Month is an important reminder that keeping South Africa moving depends on more than roads and transport systems. For motorists, it is also an opportunity to think about the condition of the vehicles they rely on every day.

This is particularly relevant as the cost of driving continues to rise. As of 7 October 2026, inland 95 petrol increased by R3.33 a litre to R30.25, while 93 petrol rose to R29.88.

With motorists paying more at the pump, tyre care is one area that should not be overlooked. Tyres influence how a vehicle handles, brakes and uses fuel, yet they are often only checked when there is an obvious problem.

Dev Naidoo, Tyre Expert and Fleet Manager at Supa Quick shares five simple tyre checks motorists should make part of their regular vehicle maintenance:

1. Check your tyre pressure

A tyre does not have to look flat to be underinflated. Motorists should check their tyre pressure regularly, ideally before driving or after the vehicle has been parked for a few hours and always use the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Incorrect tyre pressure can affect vehicle handling, braking performance, fuel consumption and tyre lifespan. Check your tyre pressure regularly, preferably when the tyres are cold and always follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure.

For motorists already paying more than R30 a litre for petrol, maintaining the correct tyre pressure is a simple maintenance step that can help avoid unnecessary fuel consumption and premature tyre wear.

2. Check for uneven tyre wear

If your tyres are wearing unevenly, it could indicate incorrect wheel alignment, wheel balancing issues, incorrect tyre pressure or worn suspension components. Addressing these problems early can help prevent unnecessary tyre replacement costs and improve vehicle safety.

3. Do not ignore a pothole impact

South African motorists are familiar with the damage potholes can cause but the effects are not always immediately visible.

A hard impact can damage the tyre, wheel, alignment or suspension. If the vehicle starts pulling to one side, the steering wheel vibrates or a bulge appears on the tyre after hitting a pothole, it should be inspected.

A few minutes spent checking the vehicle could prevent a more expensive repair later.

4. Don’t forget the spare tyre

The spare tyre is easy to forget because it spends most of its life hidden away. But when it is needed, discovering that it is flat or damaged is too late.

Motorists should include the spare in their regular checks, looking at its pressure and overall condition. It is also worth checking that the jack and wheel spanner are present and that you know where they are kept.

5. Inspect your tyre thread

Before heading out on a longer trip, motorists should take a few minutes to inspect all four tyre threads.

Your tyre tread helps maintain grip, particularly on wet roads. Worn tyres can increase stopping distances and the risk of losing control. Check your tread regularly and replace tyres when they reach the legal limit or show signs of uneven wear.

Safety and savings start with the basics

For motorists, saving money on the road does not always require a major change. Starting with the basics checking tyre pressure, monitoring wear, inspecting for damage and ensuring the spare is ready can help protect both the vehicle and the people inside it.

“Motorists don't always think about their tyres until something goes wrong, but preventative checks can make a significant difference. A few minutes before a journey can help identify a problem before it becomes a safety risk, a breakdown or a more expensive repair,” says Naidoo.

In a month focused on keeping South Africa moving, Transport Month is a timely reminder that safer and more efficient journeys start before the vehicle leaves the driveway.