See Also: Brakes | Engine Fluids and Filters | Fuel Tyre manufacturers conduct extensive research and development to meet the strict ride, performance and handling criteria set by vehicle manufacturers. However, it’s still important for you to carry out proper tyre maintenance.

Under-inflation even by small amounts can considerably increase fuel consumption. Over time it also causes increased noise, uneven tread wear which can’t be reversed. Under-inflation also reduces the tyre's load carrying capacity and causes heat build up in the tyre casing. In extreme cases this can result in tyre failure and loss of vehicle control. On most vehicles, this label is usually fitted in the driver's door opening on the centre pillar. It contains important information on the rim size, tyre size, cold tyre pressures and the minimum legal tyre load and speed ratings for the wheels and tyres fitted as original equipment. The cold tyre pressures shown on the tyre placard should be considered as the minimum. Tyre pressures should not be allowed to fall below this figure. Tyre Pressures should ideally be checked every week and must always be checked when the tyres are cold. Petrol station tyre gauges are often inaccurate, so try to use your own, good quality gauge. Never rely on appearance; modern belt construction prevents tyre distortion being easily seen, even when a tyre is under-inflated. Your tyres’ ability to perform safely in wet conditions can be seriously compromised as the tread wears. In Australia the legal minimum tread depth of any roadworthy tyre is 1.6mm. This minimum depth is shown on the tyre by a series Tread Wear Indicators located at a minimum of 4 points around the tyre in the major tread grooves. Their location in the tread face is indicated by a triangle on the upper tyre sidewall at the edge of the tread.

If any of these indicators become level with the surrounding tread face at any one point on the tyre - regardless of conditions elsewhere on the tread, that tyre is legally unroadworthy. Your Mazda Service Centre can advise you on correct tyre maintenance, including a tyre rotation schedule. Should you need to replace worn tyre/s, your Mazda Service Centre can assist you in choosing from a large range of top brand, quality tyres suited to your needs. A tyre is out of balance when one section becomes heavier than the others causing uneven weight distribution. This can lead to:

• Annoying vibration
• Increased wear on tyres, steering, suspension system 
• Reductions in handling, control and general safety.

When you bring your Mitsubishi in for service we use precision diagnostic tools to check and restore wheel balance. Your car should have its wheels aligned at regular intervals. Properly aligned wheels optimise your car’s handling and steering response and can extend tyre life. When wheels go out of alignment (after striking a kerb or pothole, for example) they sit at different angles to each other and the road, which can lead to:

• Greater rolling resistance, decreasing fuel efficiency
• Increased tyre wear and cost
• Reduced handling, control and general safety