Cars can give such freedom yet also cause such stress when something goes wrong.
Over the years I am sure I have had more than my fair share of car woes but there's one thing that is definitely in my control (to a degree) and that is tyres!
There are checks you can do and actions to take to minimise problems in this area and I would really recommend you do!
TREAD
Tyre tread helps your car grip the road and when your tyres are worn down it makes your car more susceptible to skidding and affects your breaking speed. It can be really dangerous which is why there are legal minimums which will be checked during your annual MOT.
The legal minimum is 1.6mm throughout a continuous band on the central three-quarters of breadth of the tread and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.
In wet weather tyre tread grooves help to remove water from the contact patch between your tyres and the road surface meaning your car can brake, steer and accelerate properly.
Drivers whose tyres do not have the minimum tread risk a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre.
There's a quick and easy way to see if your tyre tread meets the legal minimum and that is the 20p test!
Simply place a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the 20p coin is obscured when it is inserted, then your tread is above the legal limit.
If the outer band of the coin is visible, then your tyres may be illegal and unsafe and should be checked immediately by a qualified tyre professional.
When taking the test, remember to check at least three locations around each tyre. As the test is so quick and easy, stay safe by checking your tyres at least once a month.
TYRE PRESSURE
A sure fire way to cause damage or extra stress on your tyres is to drive on them when they are not at the correct inflation pressure. It is also worth getting into the habit of checking your tyre pressure on a monthly basis just incase of slow punctures.
You can do this easily at most petrol stations for about 50p-£1. Inside the door of your car or within the manual you will see the advised pressures for a variety of loads e.g. just passengers or passengers and luggage. It will either be displayed as bars or PSI which you can select and then set on the machines at the petrol station.
If you do not have the manual or any indication of pressure recommendations in the car don't worry as there are loads of websites where you can find out this information easily!
Once you know what it should be, unscrew the caps on your tyre rims and connect the air supply - the machine will then advise what the current pressure is and start to inflate the tyre to what you have set it to.
Temperature changes can have an impact to your tyre pressure so it's so worth checking regularly. Mine dropped substantially when we got a particularly snowy week!
Some movement is normal but a big drop will indicate a slow puncture which is worth having checked at a garage.
GENERAL TYRE CARE
If you have ever had workmen either working on your house or close by you will know that they are sometimes not the most tidy of individuals... stray nails, gravel or other bits and bobs can very easily puncture your tyres if they get stuck in the tread and then you drive on it. Try and give your tyres a quick check every time you get in the car so you can avoid this as best you can.
I once went back to my car at a supermarket and noticed a screw had punctured my tyre - luckily I noticed this before I attempted to drive on it which could have caused a blow out on the motorway!
Most of these checks really are quick and could help you avoid accidents.
An extensive variety of tyres are stocked in Iverson Tyres. For car tyres in London do visit them if you require new tyres!
This post is sponsored by Iverson Tyres, but not endorsed by them. Any opinions or views expressed are personal to the author.
.jpg)
No comments
Thanks for your comments, I will try and respond to every one so please check back! :o)