Tread Depth Inspection
The importance of Tread Depth Inspection Are your tyres legal? When should you change them? Always ensure your tyres conform to the UK minimum legal tread depth i.e. 1.6mm. This means that your tyres should have at least 1.6mm of tread left across the central three quarters of the tyre tread breadth and around the entire circumference of the tyre. Various types of tread depth indicator devices can be purchased from car product specialists. These can be dipped into the tyre tread to measure the depth in millimetres. You can also do the 20p test, by following these steps recommended by TyreSafe: How to check your tread depth with the 20p test 1. Ideally, tyre tread depth should be checked at least once a month at the same time that you check your tyre pressure. 2. Insert the 20p coin into the main tyre grooves at several places around the circumference of the tyre and across its width. 3. If the outer band of the 20p coin is visible whenever you check the tread, your tread depth may be illegal and you should have them checked by a qualified tyre specialist In addition, most car tyres now have tread wear indicators set into the tread grooves, which show when the tyre is worn to 1.6mm of remaining tread. When these indicators become level with the tread surface your tyres should be changed immediately. If you are still having trouble, consult a vehicle maintenance expert. Members of our team are on hand to help if you need us. Note: If you are taking your vehicle abroad legal tread depth may vary, come and speak to us or ask a reputable source.
Taking Care of your Tyres
Take Care of Your Tyres & They Will Take Care of You Tyres may not be the first thing you consider when it comes to vehicle safety, but tyres are your vehicle’s only link with the road. In fact, your safety (and that of your passengers) actually relies on an area of contact between the tyre and the road surface, which is no bigger than the palm of your hand. In addition to grip, tyres also support the weight of the vehicle and provide drive and directional control. When fitting replacement tyres ensure they are of the same size, load index and speed symbol as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Where tyres are not fitted in complete sets of four, we advise that tyre types are not mixed across an axle. Talk to us about the fitment details for your car, especially if you are in any doubt. The following checklist outlines a few simple procedures, which if carried out regularly will ensure your tyres remain safe and you get value for money in terms of performance and service life. We have more detail on each procedure via the links to help you look after your tyres correctly. After all, if you look after your tyres, they will look after you! Tyre Checklist: Visual Tyre Care: Visually check tyre condition on a regular basis Tread Depth Inspection: Inspect tread depth to ensure tyres are safe and legal Tyre Pressure: Maintain correct inflation pressures Tyre Positions & Handling: Fit tyres in sets of two or four. If just two fit them to the rear. For 4x4s use identical tyres all round Alignment: Consider a wheel alignment check to ensure tyres wear evenly Valves: Maintain valves to extend the life of your tyre and improve safety For help or advice on tyre maintenance, give us a call or come and see us.
What does my Tyre Pressure need to be?
The importance of maintaining the correct tyre pressure Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is an important factor in both the safety and longevity of tyres. Over or under inflation could adversely affect the vehicle handling and the tyre’s performance and durability. Additionally keeping your tyres at the correct pressure and using energy efficient tyres reduces your engines workload. This means you’ll save fuel and reduce CO2 emissions too. Make sure of the correct tyre pressures by referring to the vehicle manufacturer’s handbook. Check tyre pressures monthly and before any long trip. The tyres should be checked when they are cold, as tyres heat up as you drive causing a slight increase in pressure. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre. If you intend to tow with the vehicle, e.g. a trailer or caravan, always consult the vehicle handbook or a tyre specialist for suggestions as increased pressures may be required. Remember your trailer or caravan will also need its tyres checked. Regular vehicle maintenance can be the difference between a great journey and a terrible one.