Tyre Talk: 5 Simple Habits Every Rider Should Build Into Their Routine

When you’re getting ready for a ride—whether it’s a weekend getaway, a breakfast spin, or a cross-country tour—how often do you actually check your tyres?

We all know the thrill of hitting the road, but too many rides get cut short because of something avoidable: a slow puncture, worn tread, or wrong tyre pressure.

Your tyres are the only thing connecting your machine to the road. And they deserve more than a quick glance at the fuel pump. Here are five easy but effective habits you can build into your riding routine—no fancy tools, just some good old riding sense.

1. New Tyres? Break Them In Gently.

Why it matters:

Brand-new tyres come with a smooth, slick outer layer that reduces grip. This coating wears off over the first few hundred kilometres.

What to do:

• Ride cautiously for the first 200–300 km.
• Avoid sudden braking, sharp cornering, or aggressive acceleration.
• Take curvy sections at a moderate pace—let the tyres warm up and settle in.

2. Always Check Tyre Pressure When Cold.

Why it matters:

Tyre pressure rises as the tyre heats up. Checking after a ride gives you a false high reading—and may lead you to underinflate without realizing it.

What to do:

• Check pressure first thing in the morning or after the bike’s been idle for at least 2–3 hours.
• Use a digital pressure gauge—they’re affordable, accurate, and fit in your saddlebag.
• Match the reading to the manufacturer’s spec (usually found on a swingarm sticker or manual).

Adjust for your ride:

• Solo touring? Slightly lower pressure gives better grip.
• Riding two-up or with luggage? Add 1–2 psi for stability.

Bonus:

If your tyre keeps losing pressure slowly, inspect for slow leaks—don’t ignore it.

3. 30-Second Visual Scan = Peace of Mind.

Why it matters

One nail or one crack can turn your ride into a roadside struggle.

What to check:

• Cuts, bulges, or cracks—especially near the sidewalls.
• Sharp objects stuck in the tread—nails, glass, stones.
• Uneven wear—if one side is more worn than the other, it could signal suspension or wheel alignment issues.

Make it a habit:

Do this while your engine’s warming up, before every ride. Think of it as your bike’s version of a morning stretch.

4. Clean Your Tyres the Right Way.

Why it matters:

Grime, tar, and road oil can hide damage and reduce grip. Regular cleaning keeps tyres safe and makes issues easier to spot.

What to do:

• Use mild bike shampoo or dish soap—no petrol, diesel, or harsh solvents.
• Scrub with a soft brush—especially the sidewalls and tread grooves.
• Rinse thoroughly and let them air dry.

Bonus:

Use cleaning time to check tread depth. If your grooves are worn down to the wear bars, it’s time to change the tyre.

5. Know When to Plug—And When to Say Goodbye.

Why it matters:

Tubeless tyres make puncture repairs easier, but not every puncture can be safely fixed.

What’s safe to plug:

• A small, clean puncture in the centre of the tread.
• No visible cord damage or sidewall cuts.

When to replace:

• Sidewall damage—don’t even think about plugging it.
• Multiple plugs close together.
• Tyres older than 5 years—even if there’s tread left, the rubber gets hard and less grippy.

Quick tip:

Check the date code on the tyre sidewall—it’s a 4-digit number (like 2122 = 21st week of 2022).

Bonus Section: Riding in the Rain? Make Small Adjustments

Tyres behave differently on wet roads. Just a few tweaks can make all the difference.

What to do:

• Run slightly higher pressure for a more stable contact patch.
• Choose tyres with deeper tread to help water dispersion.
• Be extra smooth with throttle, brake, and lean angles.

And if your tyres are near the end of their life, replace them before monsoon hits.

Wrap-Up: Make It a Ritual, Not a Chore.

You don’t need a mechanic or a full toolkit to take better care of your tyres. Just a few mindful habits can improve your ride’s performance, handling, and most importantly—your safety.

Here’s your checklist:

•  Take it slow on new tyres
•  Check pressure when cold, do a 30-second scan before every ride
•  Clean tyres weekly
•  Plug carefully, replace when needed
•  Adjust setup during monsoon

Use Asteride to Ride Smarter

With the Asteride app, you can:

• Plan your rides with ease—solo or with your group
• Discover rides and riding communities across India
• Stay updated with biker news, tips, and events inside the app
• Log your rides and relive every memory in your Roadbook

Download Asteride – Built for riders who care about every mile.

Ride sharp. Ride safe. See you out there.