Tyre maintenance: the answers

Michelin indicates an indicative rotation every 8,000-10,000 km, following in any case the pattern in the car's owner's manual. It serves to distribute wear between axles and wheels, which otherwise wear differently (for example the front ones on front-wheel-drive cars). Not all cars allow it: if you have different sizes front and rear it is not possible to swap axles. The tyre fitter advises you based on your car.

Sources: africa.michelin.com

Michelin states that directional and asymmetric tyres are moved only on the same side: front left with rear left and front right with rear right, without crossing. Directional tyres have an arrow showing the direction of rotation; asymmetric ones have an 'Outside' side to be fitted facing outwards. To move a directional tyre to the other side it must be demounted from the rim and refitted the right way round. Symmetric tyres have no fitting direction.

Sources: africa.michelin.com

Michelin recommends fitting the new, or less worn, tyres on the rear axle, to improve control and safety, on both front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive cars. If the rear ones have less grip, in corners or when braking in the wet the rear can become unstable. When possible, replace tyres at least in pairs per axle with the same model and check the wear of the other axle.

Sources: africa.michelin.com

In general: the car is lifted and the wheels removed; the tyre is taken off the rim with the tyre changer, the rim and valve are checked and the new tyre is fitted; it is inflated, the wheel is balanced and refitted, tightening the bolts to the torque given by the car manufacturer. At the end the pressure is checked and, if needed, the TPMS is reset. The old tyre is disposed of.

You can ask Pneumatici SuperStore for a quote via WhatsApp: it includes fitting, balancing and disposal of the old tyres. The centre is in Milan and is open Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 12:30 and from 14:30 to 18:30, Saturday from 08:30 to 13:00; it is closed on Sundays and public holidays. For a quick reply give the tyre size, which you find on the sidewall, together with the make and model of the car.

To the tightening torque given by the car manufacturer, using a torque wrench and tightening in a crossed (star) sequence, not the impact wrench alone. Insufficient tightening can let the wheel work loose; excessive tightening damages studs, bolts and rims. The correct value for your model is in the owner's manual or in the manufacturer's documentation.

Yes, it is good practice to recheck the tightening torque after a short distance from fitting, because the components settle; the exact time depends on the instructions of the car or rim manufacturer. Do it with a torque wrench and the torque given by the car manufacturer. If after the tyre change you feel vibrations or noises from the wheels, stop and have the tightness checked immediately.

The anti-theft bolt has a head with a special profile that can only be removed with a dedicated key, to discourage wheel theft. Keep the key in a place that is easy to remember, for example in the car's storage compartment, and always give it to the tyre fitter before the tyre change. If you lose it there are extractors and procedures to remove the bolt, but there is a risk of damaging the rim.

It depends on use. Steel rims are generally cheaper and sturdier, but heavier and less attractive; alloy ones are lighter and better looking, but the finish scratches easily against kerbs and a hard impact can bend or crack them. In both cases it is worth washing them often with a gentle detergent to remove brake dust and salt. After an impact, a tyre fitter can check the condition of the rim.

Tyres can lose pressure and, under the weight of the car, deform at the contact point (flattened area or 'flat spot'). Continental warns that prolonged inactivity damages tyres more than weekly use. For very long periods Michelin recommends taking the car's weight off the tyres, by lifting the car or removing the wheels. When you start again, recheck pressure and tyre condition before setting off.

Sources: continentaltire.com, michelin.ca

Often yes, if the deformation is slight: after a few kilometres the tyre warms up and tends to regain its shape, and the vibration decreases. If the vibration remains, the deformation may be permanent or there may be another problem, such as imbalance or internal damage. In that case have the wheel checked and balanced in the workshop, avoiding continuing for long at high speed.