Considerations when driving on new tyres

At some point, you’re going to have a fresh set of new tyres, and with that comes some new considerations you should think about, which can ensure the longevity and a comfortable driving experience. To support you in this journey, we’ve written a handy guide of considerations when driving on new tyres.

Why do tyres need breaking in?

Similar to a new pair of shoes, they need a bit of time to adjust before they perform at their best. This is due to a few main factors:

Manufacturing Residue: Chemicals are used in the creation of tyres. A lubricant is initially applied to the tyre so that it’s less troublesome to remove from the machine that creates the moulds. Unfortunately, this means that some of this substance remains on your tyre and can take a few hundred miles before it reaches its maximum grip.

Tread Squirm: More related to the tyres themselves, before they wear down through normal driving from the maximum depth , the tyre can feel as though it’s not fully in contact with the ground, otherwise known as ‘squirming’.

Treadread squirm explained

New tyres may exhibit “tread squirm” when first taken out onto the road as the tread blocks are at their maximum depth.. These tall, flexible blocks can bend and flex when cornering, braking, or accelerating. As the tyre wears down, the tread blocks will become shorter and stiffer, reducing the effect of tread squirm. Reduction of tyre squirm usually takes around 500-600 miles of driving for your vehicle to feel fully comfortable.

The impact of squirming can vary significantly by tyre type. Tyres with deep tread, such as winter tyres, exhibit more squirm, whereas those with minimal or no tread, like semi-slicks, will not experience any squirm.

For the driver, it typically translates to a feeling of reduced responsiveness in the steering, which you might describe as jiggly.

How do I break my tyres in?

We recommend that you concentrate on the longevity and health of your tyres for the first 500-600 miles.

• Drive smoothly – Avoid aggressive driving, sudden braking, and rapid cornering.
• Be mindful of speed – Drive at safe speeds and be aware that your tyres may lack grip at the start.

Smooth driving will allow the lubricants on the tyre to wear away, as well as allowing the tread to wear down to a point where you feel more settled and planted.

Starting habits to increase longevity

Brand new tyres mean you’ve got a great starting point to begin new tyre care habits to ensure that your tyres last as long as possible, and you can be more alert to any possible risks that may come up in the future.

• Check your tread depth monthly – An important part of owning a vehicle, a routine check monthly can ensure your new tyres stay healthy for as long as possible.
• Maintain the correct recommended PSI of your tyres – Your tyres work best when they are at their optimum pressure. This will reduce unnecessary wear over time as well as save you a bit of money on your fuel.

If you want to learn about the Envoy Brand, you can either contact us using our form or check out our full product range.