Tyre Safety Tips – Tyre Care and Maintenance

Did you know that you are not insured when driving on bad condition tyres?

If you are involved in an accident and it turns out that you have been driving around on tyres with a tread depth lower than standard limit, you could find yourself forking out a lot of money on repairs and fines. Worn tyres significantly impede the performance of your car – low tread depths reduce the effectiveness of braking, steering and acceleration, all of which are vital in staying safe. Let us check some of the important tyre safety tips.

Tyre Safety Tips & Tricks

Check Tread Depth

Tyre Tread Depth – Quarter Test – Tyre Safety Tips

The deeper the tread the more grip you will have when driving. Check the tread depth regularly either with a dedicated tread gauge or using the built-in tread wear indicator on your tyres. In European countries for summer passenger tyres, the figure is 1.6 mm while in several countries for certain winter models the reference is 4 mm. However, grip in wet conditions reduces significantly if your tread depth gets below 3mm. Your safety and mobility depend on a good level of tread depth because the tread grooves disperse water from underneath your tyre, helping maintain control.

You can do a simple coin test to check the tread depth, take a 20p and place it in-between the main grooves of the tyre. If you can see the outer band of the coin, the tyre may have insufficient tread depth. At this point, it is advised that you have your tyres checked over by a qualified mechanic.

Tyre Pressure

Tyre Pressure – Tyre Safety Tips

As tyres lose pressure, their safety, handling and fuel efficiency are adversely affected.

When a tyre is under-inflated, its contact patch with the road surface is concentrated towards the two outer edges of the tread, leading to rapid wear and reduced tyre life. Under-inflation also increases rolling resistance, meaning that more energy is needed to turn the wheel leads to increased fuel use. And under-inflation is the main cause of cracks which could cause blowout and lead to the loss of control of your vehicle.

Tires have been known to lose up to 1psi (pounds per square inch) every month, so check all tires, including your spare, once a month (or before a long trip).

Check your tyre pressure:

• When your tyres are cold
• Before long journeys
• When carrying heavy loads

How to Check Tyre Pressure?

1. Purchase a trusted tyre Pressure Gauge.
2. Check your tyres when it is “cold” – before you’ve driven or at least three hours after you’ve driven.
3. Insert tyre pressure gauge into the valve stem on your tyre and measure the psi.
4. Compare the measured psi to the psi found on the sticker inside the driver’s door of your vehicle or in owner’s manual. DO NOT compare to the psi on your tyre’s sidewall.
5. If your psi is above the number, let air out until it matches. If below, add air until it reaches the proper number.

Wheel Alignment

Wheel Alignment

It’s difficult to tell if your wheels and axles are correctly aligned while driving. But if your vehicle’s suspension geometry is incorrect, its handling may be altered and your safety compromised. If your tyre has come into contact with a solid object, such as a kerb or pothole, or you have noticed uneven wear on your tyres, please go to a tyre specialist to have it thoroughly inspected. It’s important to ensure correct alignment to:

• Get the best road handling
• Protect your tyres from irregular and/or rapid wear
• Save fuel

Tyre Valves

Tyre Valves

Valves and their components are ordinarily made of rubber, so they are subject to deterioration over time. Replacing them when you buy new tyres is an inexpensive way to protect your tyres, vehicle and yourself. The valve cap is also important. It’s the primary air seal and helps to keep out dust and dirt particles. You should check that your valves and valve caps are in good condition to:

• Maintain an airtight seal
• Maintain the correct tyre pressure
• Ensure longer tyre life

Wheel Balancing

Wheel Balancing Equipment

An unbalanced wheel can cause dangerous mechanical damage. Balancing helps to prevent premature wear of tyres and eliminates vibration. It also protects the suspension, steering system and bearings of your vehicle. Have your wheels balanced when a tyre is replaced, a balance weight is moved or removed, or you purchase new tyres. You’ll know a wheel is out of balance when one area is heavier or lighter than the rest. This will cause:

• More stress on front-end parts
• Uneven and rapid tread wear
• Vibration
• Front-end parts to wear prematurely

Spare Tyre 

Getting a flat tyre and discovering that your spare is also flat is a miserable experience. Inspect your spare as you would your other tyres. If you have a compact spare, the inflation pressure will usually be written on the tyre. If your car comes with a compressor or a flat repair kit in lieu of a spare, check their operation regularly. Even if you never use your spare it is still vital that you check that it is in good condition.

Check for Damage or Irregular Wear

Damage or Irregular Wear on Tyres

Look after your tyres and they will look after you. Check regularly for any signs of irregular wear, any sharp objects lodged in the tread and any cuts, tears, cracks or bulges. If in doubt, ask a specialist!

Check for damage regularly:

• On all four tyres
• On both sides of the tyre
• On wheel rims (which may damage your tyres)

Tyre Rotation

Tyre Rotation

Rotate tyres every 8,000 – 10,000 km. Visit a reputable tyre shop or garage for tyre rotation. Check your owner’s handbook for rotating sequence.

Eid Mubarak to all

Eid Mubarak Wishes

Wishing everyone a Happy Ramadan

May the spirit of Ramadan illuminate the world and show us the way to peace and harmony.

Ramadan Mubarak – PioneerPartsStore.com