Ensuring that your car’s tyres are kept in top condition is essential for safe driving. Data collected in Great Britain in 2018 revealed that vehicles with illegal, defective or under inflated tyres were responsible for 17 fatal accidents and 116 serious accidents. Bearing this in mind, regular tyre maintenance certainly wouldn’t go amiss to avoid potentially serious consequences - even though it may seem like a tedious task.
To make the process easier, we’ve put together a list of the main factors to consider when checking your tyres.
Checking tyre pressure should be a recurring task on your to-do list. This is because under or overinflated tyres can affect your ability to control your car’s steering, and inadequate pressure can also wear down your tyres much quicker. Not to mention, you’re more likely to see a rapid increase in your vehicle’s fuel consumption - so if you don’t want to wear down a hole in your pocket, check those tyres at least once a month.
The recommended tyre pressure will vary from vehicle to vehicle, but if you’re ever unsure of what the figure is, check your car’s manual.
When checking tyre pressure, always look out for any signs of wear and damage. This could be any cuts, bulges or objects that have become lodged in the tyres - if you do notice anything unusual, you should get them investigated by a mechanic.
Sometimes, tyres can get damaged beyond repair. In this scenario, you should always get them replaced to protect both yourself and other road users. Here at Autosave, we stock a wide variety of alloy wheels through our tyre exports service to fit the make and model of your vehicle. Or, why not take a browse through our vast collection of spare car parts and find a tyre that’s right for you?
Overloading your vehicle can affect its stability, making it more difficult to steer whilst also increasing the stopping distance. Not only this, if a large amount of strain is put on your tyres, you risk overheating and rapid wear.
You should know the weight of your vehicle and the load it is capable of safely carrying before beginning a journey (always ask your supplier if you’re uncertain of this), remembering to re-distribute objects if you’ve made any drop-offs.
Alongside checking to see whether your car’s tyres have endured any damage, always remember to keep an eye on the tread depth. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, and if you’re caught with anything below this, you could end up with a rather hefty fine of £2,500, along with up to three points on your driving licence.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to check your tyre’s tread depth, simply place a 20p coin into the main tread grooves. When inserted, the inner line along the coin should be obscured. However, if parts of the coin remain visible, you should have your tread depth checked as soon as possible.
Wheel alignment is another crucial factor that can affect the condition of your tyres. If you’re noticing any uneven tyre wear, your vehicle dragging or pulling, steering wheel vibration, or any unusual noises at low speeds, this could be an indication that your wheels aren’t correctly aligned. Should this be the case, always get a mechanic to check your tyres for you to avoid any accidents and increased fuel consumption.
For those that enjoy the occasional off road drive, grime buildup is inevitable. Make sure to give your vehicle a good scrub every once in a while, to not only enhance its aesthetic appeal, but to ensure the longevity of your tyres.
Arming yourself with a large bucket, high pressure water hose and specialist tyre cleaning solution, it’s time to make those tyres shine. You could also use a soft bristled brush and contoured tyre brush to scrub the rubber out, along with a microfiber cloth to wipe away any water and grease. Wheel protectant wax or tyre dressing is also an option, which should be applied once your vehicle is completely dry. Make sure to follow instructions on the back of any product bottles, and you’ll be good to go.
Braking and acceleration puts direct pressure onto your car’s tyres, which can end up wearing down the rubber faster than normal if done regularly. This can be a result of aggressive driving, which should be avoided at all costs to protect yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle.
Scraping against a curb can cause structural damage to tyres, tearing away chunks of rubber from the side-walls or causing deep cuts in serious cases. Therefore, it’s easier to steer clear from curbs.
All in all, tyre maintenance is a doddle when you maintain safe driving habits, but in the case that you do need a tyre replacement, Autosave are here to help. From exports and car parts, to scrapping vehicles that are no longer safe to drive, we take your safety on the roads seriously. Get in touch with us today to find out more.