Bike tyres are one of the essential components in improving the overall riding experience. Due to poor road conditions or regular wear and tear, the quality of bike tyres gets affected. If the tyre is not in good shape, it can lead to disbalance of the bike. That’s why, from time to time, maintenance of bike tyres is a must.
After assessing the condition, riders need to decide when to change bike tyres. However, changing a bike tyre is an expensive event that might put an unnecessary financial burden. But with a new bike insurance plan individuals can offer protection to vehicles against various damages and losses.
Hence owning a cheap bike insurance plan, that offers comprehensive and enhanced protection to two-wheelersis vital. In this guide, we will focus on when we should change bike tyres.
What is the Right Time to Do Bike Tyre Replacement?
The time it takes to replace bike tyres depends on various factors, such as road conditions, and bike usage. However, the ideal time to do bike tyre replacement is within 5 years of purchasing a new bike.
When bike owners take proper care of their bikes, this time can be increased. Further, if a bike tyre has visible damage, acute cracking, and much more, then it is essential to change the bike tyre.
Warning Signs for When to Change Bike Tyres
Some of the common signs to change bike tyres are listed below:
- Excessive Tread Wear: Tyres have tread that helps in maintaining the grip on the road. However, due to excessive use, the tyre tread degrades, which makes it difficult for the bike to steer.
Not just this, it also reduces the traction and increases the braking time. However, bikes nowadays come with tread wear signs and gauges to know the wear extent and when to change tyres.
- Frequent Punctures: Another significant sign of when to change a bike tyre is frequent punctures. If a tyre is old and worn out, the chances of getting punctures are higher.
When the tread wears out, any pointed object, such as a nail, glass, metal wires, etc., can easily puncture the tyre. So, if a tyre is getting frequent punctures, then it is a sign to change it.
- Wheel Balancing and Alignment Issues: Another sign is if a two-wheeler has wheel balancing or alignment issues. However, many times, wheel alignment is affected by the car’s suspension system. If there are constant wheel balancing and alignment issues, then it is time to get the tyres adequately checked.
- Less Braking Efficiency: Braking is one of the vehicle’s essential components. If the brakes of the two-wheeler are not working correctly, it can be for two reasons: either brake pads need to be replaced, or the tyres are damaged severely to the extent that the grip brake is not working correctly. In both cases, it is essential to get them adequately checked by mechanics.
- Tyre Age: Another sign to change a bike tyre is its age. Usually, a tyre lasts for 6 years, and after that, it needs to be replaced. Since tyres consist of chemical compounds, they start to deteriorate at a faster rate after a while. Hence, they need to be changed every 6 years. Otherwise, it can create a risky situation for the rider.
- Damaged Sidewalls: Another prominent sign is damaged sidewalls, which are caused by the non-usage of two-wheelers or parking vehicles in direct sunlight.
These damaged sidewalls lead to the leaking of air pressure and disbalancing of the vehicle. Further, the cracks are irrepairable, and it becomes critical to change bike tyres.
- Less Tyre Pressure: Lastly, a drop in tyre air pressure is frequently another sign of changing a bike tyre. This generally happens because of several reasons: weak tyres, hidden cracks, and more.
However, if after getting the puncture repaired, tyre air pressure drops, then it is best to get a bike tyre replacement.
Cost of Replacing Bike Tyres
The cost of replacing bike tyres depends on the two-wheeler model, variant, and manufacturer. A high-end two-wheeler tyre replacement can be costly, putting individuals under a financial burden.
However, if an individual has insurance for a bike, the insurance company can reimburse the repair cost.
Tata AIG offers two-wheeler insurance as well as third-party bike insurance plans catered to individual-specific needs. Further, with add-ons like Tyre Secure, policyholders can get their tyre replacements after an accident without putting any financial burden on them.
Conclusion
A damaged tyre can not only affect the riding experience but can also cause major accidents. That’s why it is crucial to get a bike tyre check from time to time. Further, in case of any warning signs, get it replaced in the nearest garage as soon as possible.
