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We all know that before long journeys it is important to check our cars for particular things; oil level, de-icer / windscreen cleaner, lights, wipers, and so on. One of the most important things to check are your tyres; the pressure, condition, and tread.
Tyre pressure
Each car model has recommended tyre pressure; ours can be found on the inside of the driver side door, and they will always be listed in the handbook as well. It’s important to regularly check your tyre pressure, including that of your spare, especially before long journeys.
You can top up your air pressure at petrol stations either for free, or for a small cost. Ideally you should check & top-up on a monthly basis, especially if you use your car a lot. Under inflated tyres are the most common cause of tyre blow out so it’s vital to check before motorway journeys as blow out can be a cause of fatal accidents at high speeds.
Tyre condition
While you check your pressure, you should also cast your eye over your tyres to check their condition. Keep an eye out for cracking or bulging in both the tread area and the sidewall of the tyres. Any anomalies you are unsure about are worth checking at a tyre centre, to be sure they are road worthy.
Potholes and frequent impact can cause a lot of damage, especially on older tyres, so make sure you check them regularly for defects.
Tyre tread
The third important thing to check with it comes to your tyres is the tread. In the UK the legal limit is 1.6mm of tread across the central ¾ of the tread, around the complete circumference of the tyre. Most tyres also have a tread indicator on the tyre itself; when the rest of the tread becomes level with the indicator in the groove, you need to change your tyre.
If your tyres are in poor condition or have worn treads, it’s important to get them changed to keep your vehicle in roadworthy condition. For quality tyres in Basingstoke, why not visit Headley Tyres?
As the only part of your car that comes in contact with the road, it’s important to keep your tyres in good condition. Even if your brakes are in perfect condition, poor tyres could still cause braking to fail, leading to a possibly serious accident.
