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Tyre Service
Tyre Maintenance and Safety Practices for Drivers
Tyre maintenance is crucial not only to extend the life of your tyres but also to guarantee your safety on the road.
Tyre wear can result from various factors beyond age and regular use. Situations such as emergency stops, driving with incorrect tyre pressure, misaligned wheels, and navigating on poorly maintained roads can significantly affect tyre conditions.
We advise drivers to conduct regular checks on their tyres to maintain optimal safety and performance. Inspect your tyres at least once a week or before undertaking any long journeys. This proactive approach to tyre care can help identify potential issues early, ensuring your driving experience remains safe and uninterrupted.
Tyre Pressure Guide for Car Owners
Ensuring your vehicle's tyres are correctly inflated is key for several reasons, all of which significantly impact your driving experience.
Safety Comes FirstSafety Comes First
The foremost concern with tyre pressure is safety. If tyres are not properly inflated, they could risk overheating if they are too low or result in poor vehicle handling if they are too high.
Save Money on Fuel and Tyres
Another vital aspect is the economic benefit. Incorrectly inflated tyres wear unevenly due to an altered contact area with the road. This not only accelerates tyre wear, leading to earlier replacements, but also increases fuel consumption due to higher rolling resistance when tyres are under-inflated.
Be Kind to the Environment
Having the right tyre pressure can positively affect the environment. Properly inflated tyres ensure optimal fuel efficiency, contributing to lower CO2 emissions than vehicles riding on inaccurately inflated tyres.
How to Check and Maintain Correct Tyre Pressure
The vehicle handbook details your car’s specific tyre pressures, which you can often find Pressure:
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Vehicle manufacturers specify different pressures for front and rear tyres, emphasizing the importance of adhering to these recommendations for optimal safety and performance.
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The vehicle handbook details your car’s specific tyre pressures, often found on the driver’s door sill or inside the fuel flap.
Regularly checking and adjusting your tyre pressures as necessary is a simple measure that ensures your vehicle's efficiency, safety, and environmental friendliness. Remember, maintaining correct tyre pressures prolongs tyre life and ensures a safer and more cost-effective driving experience.
Understanding Tyre Tread Depth for Everyday Drivers
Ensuring your car's tyres have enough tread is crucial for safe driving.
Much like the soles of your shoes help you grip the ground, the tread on your tyres helps your car grip the road, especially when you need to stop quickly. As your tyres wear down over time, your car might take longer to stop when you brake. That’s why checking your tyre tread regularly, such as weekly or before heading off on a long trip, is a good idea to ensure they’re still in good shape.
Experts suggest getting new tyres once the tread drops to about 3mm to keep your car’s braking in top form. In the UK, the law requires a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of your tyre and around the entire tyre. If your tyres don’t meet this standard, you could face a fine and points on your licence.
Here’s an easy way to check if it’s time for a tyre change
Find the small raised area within the main tread grooves on your tyre.
If the tread is flush with this marker, it’s time to consider getting new tyres.
You can also use a simple 20p coin test at home. Just place a 20p coin into the main groove of your tyre. If the tyre tread hides the coin's outer band, then you’re good to go. But if you can see the outer band, then your tyres might be getting too worn and should be checked by a professional.
To ensure your tyres are wearing evenly, check in at least three different spots around each tyre. Regular checks can help keep you and your vehicle safe on the road, providing peace of mind while driving.
Inspect for External Tyre Damage
Damage to tyres, including cuts, bulges, and irregularities, often results from contact with kerbs, potholes, or debris on the road.
Should you notice any of these signs, seeking consultation from a tyre expert immediately is critical to prevent the risk of unexpected tyre failure.
Furthermore, if your vehicle has undergone emergency manoeuvres, such as abrupt and forceful stopping, it's advisable to examine your tyres.
Such actions can cause 'flat spots' on your tyres, potentially leading to the need for early tyre replacement.
This guidance forms part of our commitment to ensure your tyres are safe for the road.
