Tyres are among the most crucial components of any vehicle. However, their maintenance often gets overlooked. It’s considered that frequent vehicle use can influence their lifespan and the effects of infrequent driving are less discussed. 

Tyres are highly engineered products designed to withstand constant contact with the road, extreme weather conditions, and the weight of the vehicle. However, when vehicles are left idle for long periods or used less frequently, it can have surprising and often harmful effects on tyres.

Understanding how limited driving affects your tyres can help you prevent unnecessary wear and maintain optimal performance. In this blog, we will explore how infrequent driving can affect tyres and give actionable steps to reduce these effects.

Effects of Infrequent Driving on tyres

Flat Spotting Risks

When a vehicle remains stationary for long periods, tyres experience flat-spotting due to the car’s weight resting on specific areas. This pressure deforms the rubber and causes uneven wear and vibrations when driving resumes. 

Flat spotting can worsen in colder weather, as tyres become less flexible. High-quality options by reputable brands like Michelin or Pirelli are engineered with advanced rubber compounds to reduce flat spotting. However, leaving the vehicle stationary for an extended duration can affect these branded options as well. 

Rubber Degradation

Rubber compounds remain flexible during regular driving. Inactivity accelerates degradation. UV exposure and temperature changes cause the rubber to harden or crack. Without sufficient heat and movement, tyres lose elasticity and may fail prematurely. 

Sidewall Cracking

The sidewalls of a tyre bear stress even when a car is idle. Prolonged inactivity increases the risk of sidewall cracking.  It will weaken the whole structure and increase the risk of blowouts. These cracks are often caused by environmental factors like sunlight, heat, or prolonged pressure. 

Fluctuating Pressure

Infrequent driving can lead to unnoticed pressure loss because tyres naturally lose air over time. Under-inflated tyres cause uneven tread wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and poor handling. Therefore, you should check the pressure monthly, even for idle cars. It is crucial to prevent further issues. You can use a portable inflator to maintain ideal pressure levels. 

Uneven Tread Wear

When vehicles remain parked for extended periods, uneven pressure distribution causes specific tyre sections to wear down quickly. It leads to uneven tread depth. This compromises the traction and braking performance of your vehicle, especially in wet conditions. 

Weather Damage

Seasonal weather changes can affect idle tyres. In winter, rubber will become brittle. It will not only reduce the flexibility but also compromise the grip on icy roads. On the other hand, prolonged exposure to extreme heat in summer can harden rubber.

It affects the structural integrity and reduces their overall performance. If left unnoticed, high temperatures can speed up the degradation of rubber compounds.

Dry Rot

It occurs when rubber hardens, cracks, and loses flexibility due to prolonged inactivity. Exposure to moisture, sunlight, and fluctuating temperatures worsens this condition. It ultimately makes tyres unsafe for use. Applying tyre conditioners can help prevent dry rot.

Wheel Misalignment

Extended periods of idleness can cause a vehicle’s suspension system to shift. It leads to wheel misalignment. This misalignment can cause uneven tyre wear, compromise handling, and increase rolling resistance. Even if your vehicle isn’t frequently used, scheduling regular alignment checks is crucial to reduce this risk.

Steel Belt Corrosion

Moisture exposure during prolonged parking can lead to the corrosion of steel belts within the tyres. It weakens their structure and increases the risks of blowout. This problem is particularly associated with damp parking areas.

Reduce Longevity

All the above factors collectively contribute to reduced tyre longevity for infrequently driven vehicles. Flat spotting, pressure loss, cracking, and all other effects accelerate wear and shorten their lifespan. 

How to Reduce These Issues?

Only knowing the issues isn’t enough. You must know how to avoid or reduce them. You can try the following practices. 

Move Your Vehicle Regularly: You should try to drive the car for a few minutes every week. It keeps tyres in motion and mitigates the risks caused by stationary vehicles.

Maintain Proper Pressure: Tyres can lose pressure even when they are not in use. Therefore, you should monitor the pressure and maintain it. You can use a portable pump and reliable gauge to handle this job at home. 

Invest in Branded tyres: Various well-reputed brands, such as Goodyear, Nexen, and Bridgestone make highly durable tyres that last longer than regular ones. They are specifically designed to resist the issues caused by stationary vehicles. Therefore, you should always opt for them.

Park Your Vehicle Wisely: If you are planning to park your vehicle for an extended period, do it wisely. Choose a shaded, open, and dry space to keep the tyres and the rest of the components safe.

Infrequent driving will not make your tyres last longer. Instead, it will damage them. Therefore, you should keep them rolling to make them last longer.