How to Make Sure Your Tyres Are In Good Condition?

Your vehicle’s tyres are the main point of contact with the road. Therefore, it is vital that they are in good order and capable of protecting you and all road users.

Unsafe tyres could increase your vehicle’s likelihood of an accident. If your tyres fail to meet legal requirements or are defective, you could also be subject to a fine and three penalty points on the license.

To avoid paying these fines and ensure your safety and that of others, we have written a blog about the different checks you should perform to maintain your tyres in good condition.

Check Your Tyre-Tread Depth

Tires with worn treads are more susceptible to punctures and external damage. This could lead to loss of vehicle control or a severe accident.

According to UK law, automobile tyres must have a 1.6-millimetre tread depth. The criteria for this should be the same around the tyre and apply to goods vehicles, such as vans, trailers, and caravans, as long as their weight does not exceed 3500 kg.

Many factors can increase tyre wear, including driving fast, braking hard, overloading your vehicle, driving on low tyre pressures, and driving in an uneven wheel alignment. To ensure that your tyre tread depth is within the legal limit, it is important to check it regularly.

A tyre depth gauge is the most reliable way to determine your tread depth. Expert technicians use this tool to measure the depth in each tyre groove. These tools can also be bought online.

You can use a probe bar to gauge the tread depth of your tyres. Push the shoulders towards the tread and insert the probe into the groove.

A 20p coin can be used to check your tyre tread depth quickly and easily if you don’t have a gauge.

• Place the coin in the tread grooves at the top of your tire.
• Your tyre’s tread depth is likely to exceed 1.6mm if you can’t see the raised edge surrounding the coin.
• If the coin’s outer edge is visible as the coin is inserted into the groove, it could indicate that your tyres are unsafe and should be inspected by professionals.
• Take multiple measurements of the central three-quarters to ensure your tread wears evenly. You may have to drive around corners or adjust the wheel alignment.

Check Your Tyre Pressure

Overinflated or underinflated tires can be dangerous and cause damage to your tires and increase the likelihood of an accident on the road.

Underinflated tires mean that the tire’s surface area is larger than the road, which results in a flattened tyre at the base. Your tyre tread will wear faster, which can lead to a decrease in grip. You are at higher risk of punctures if your tyres have been underinflated. This is because objects like nails and glass can get stuck in the softer tyres, increasing your chance of getting punctured.

Overinflated tires are more likely to be too rigid and could suffer from a tyre burst due to a sudden impact like potholes or other road debris. Excessive wear can cause a tyre’s tread to fall faster in overinflated tyres.

To check your tyre pressure: 

• Check your vehicle manual to determine the optimum tire pressure.
• When the tyres get cold, check your tyre pressure.
• Take off the dust cap, tighten the pressure gauge, and note the pressure in each tire.
• You can compare your tyre pressure to the optimal measurement and adjust accordingly with an air pump machine available at most garages and petrol stations.

Check for Tire Damage

If your tyres have suffered external damage, such as cracks, cuts, or bulges, it could indicate they are unsafe. A visual inspection should be done regularly to ensure your tyres are in good condition.

Sidewalls should be inspected for cuts, slashes or tears. These are dangerous and need to be repaired. A bulge in a tire can be caused by hitting potholes, and they are just as serious as a single tear.

A tire’s crack can result from the tyre compound becoming too hard due to heat or age. A professional inspection is advised if you notice cracks in your tyres. Cracks and bulges can cause your vehicle to fail its MOT. It is essential that you inspect your tyres regularly to make sure they are safe. 

Check the Age of Your Tyres

Old tyres can pose a danger as the rubber compound degrades over time.

Tyres come with a date stamp system that allows you to check the age of your tyres. You will find the date stamp on your tyre’s sidewall. It should contain four numbers. The first two digits refer to the week of manufacture, while the second and third digits are the year the tyre was manufactured.

Auto Surefit Keep Your Tyres in Excellent Condition

We can provide a cost-effective and practical tyre-fitting service if your tyres have suffered any damage or you have noticed a decrease in pressure. We can quickly and efficiently repair punctures and other damages to your tyres using the most recent technology and highly trained technicians. If repairs are impossible or a replacement is required, we will help you select a tyre that meets your needs and budget.

Call us to know our rates or schedule an appointment to inspect your car.