Are Your Car Tyres Safe?

Do you know how to check if your car is fully roadworthy? Do you know how to check that your car tyres are safe and that it is okay to be driving? Here are a few tips on how you can ensure the safety of your ride.

Check The Pressure 



There is some really handy information on TyreSafe, designed to help you with what you need to know when it comes to all thing tyres. One such resource on the website is the tyre pressure checker - all you need to do is input the make, model and vehicle (engine type) of your car and they will let you know the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle.

Tyre pressure is so important as under-inflated tyres can affect handling and grip - they can also suffer from a sudden rapid deflation which is extremely dangerous, especially if you are travelling at speed at the time.

Running costs are also reduced if tyres are at their correct pressure - why wouldn’t you want to ensure your safety and lower running costs by checking your pressure regularly?

What Is Your Tread Depth? 


Would you know how to check the tread depth of your tyres? Not many people do! One such way is the ‘20p test’. The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm.

The 20p test is where you take a coin and put it into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the coin is obscured when inserted, then your tread is above the legal limit. If it is visible instead, then the tyres are potentially illegal and unsafe. You should always do the test around the three different locations around each tyre.

If your tread depth is correct, then the grooves help to remove water from the contact patch between your tyres and the road so your car can function properly in wet weather. If this depth isn’t adequate, your vehicle may struggle to perform such functions and thus it isn’t as safe to be driving.

Something else to consider is the financial implications. Failure to comply with the minimum tread depth could mean a fine of up to £2,500 and up to three penalty points for each illegal tyre.

Are You Safe For Winter or Summer? 


Something else to consider is the fact that your car needs to be suitable for winter driving - this often means getting some winter tyres which are specifically designed for such weather conditions. Steering, acceleration and braking are more difficult during this season as normal tyres have less grip. It is not just extreme conditions that can affect the performance of your tyres but also cold and damp roads too. 

Also, don't forget to check your tyres out before those Summer road trips as well. If your car is carrying more than usual you will need to check the tyre safety and pressure.

Use Local Garages or Suppliers 

If you are looking for the best quality tyres for your vehicle, make sure to check your local garages or suppliers. Stirling Autocentre, in Fife, is one such supplier that stocks the best quality car tyres for various car makes and models, all under one roof.
You can often get decent quality tyres at affordable prices from local businesses. 

How often do you check the safety of your tyres?

*Collaborative post

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