Tyres are one of the most important factors in the safety of your vehicle.  After all, they are what connects your car to the road.  You can have a car which is really great, however if the tyres aren’t up to scratch, it’s completely irrelevant . 

Tyres can seem inexorably difficult subject to cover for the uninitiated.  However, they are one of the most simple parts of a vehicle to keep an eye on.   It is incredibly important to keep an eye on your tyres conditions too.  Not only is it illegal to have your tyres in bad shape but it’s unsafe.  

Tyre Tread Depth – What you need to know. 

It is a legal requirement in the UK that your tyre tread is a minimum depth.   The current legal limit in the UK is 1.6 millimetres, across the central 3/4 of the tread around the complete circumference of the tyre. 

Although this is the legal limit, most experts would recommend that you change your tyres earlier than this.  According to Autoexpress the best time to change your tyres is when your tread wares to 3 millimetres.  Tests show that it takes an extra 8 metres to stop when your tread is at the legal limit  compared to 3 millimetres.  According Tim Bailey of Continential Tyres:

“The Best balance between safety and economy is to consider changing at 3 millimetres”

 

Sobering: The difference in stopping distance between the two different tread depths

Under Pressure:  Keeping things inflated. 

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle is important.  According to the tyre experts kwickfit, there are 3 main reasons why you should maintain then correct tyre pressure for your vehicle. 

  • The first and most important is safety.  Under inflated tyres can overheat and overinflated tyres lead to poor road handling. 
  • The second is economy.  Under inflated tyres have increased rolling resistance and require more fuel to maintain momentum and they suffer more damage. 
  • The third reason is that it’s better for the environment.  By maintaining the correct pressure you will reduce the CO2 emissions of your car. 

You can simply check your tyre pressure at the majority of garages and fuel stations.  It’s usually free or costs next too nothing. 

When checking your tyres you should look for any budges and objects imbedded in the tyre surface or tyre wall.  These cab cause a puncture or a blow out; nether are good. 

Note:  This article is meant as guidance only.  You should consult a qualified relevant professional before attempting any repairs or servicing.  You should also refer to your operators manual.