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Basic rules about tyre safety:
Always spend time to ensure you have correct, safe tyres on your vehicle:
- Tyres should always be replaced with the same size designation as recommended by the vehicle or tyre manufacturer.
- Tyre brand, size and tread pattern must be the same on each axle.
- All four tyres should be of the same size, speed rating and construction (radial or cross-ply).
- Guard against used tyre imports, many of which are beyond retreading but are retreaded and sold illicitly. Similarly, watch out for counterfeit tyres – illicit copies of respected brands. The advice is to always look for the SABS stamp of approval.
- When two radial tyres are used with two cross-ply, put the radials on the rear axle. In some cases (especially commercial vehicles) the manufacturer might recommend different-sized tyres for the front and rear axles.
- Never assume that the tyres on your vehicle are correct, even if you have newly purchased it. Unless you bought new from an authorised dealer your vehicle may already be fitted with potentially lethal tyres.
Also view the following sections:
- Road Safety and Tyre Safety
- Tyre Maintenance and Road Safety
- Wheel Balance, Wheel Alignment and Safe Driving
- Tyre Expiry
- Nitrogen in Tyres and Road Safety
- Run Flat Tyre Technology and Road Safety
- Changing the Tyre Safely next to the Road
- Tyre Safety, Fitment and Road Safety
- Tyre Selection and Safety Tips