Tyre & Tech Ltd (No.5222390) Why is it important to check tyres regularly? Neglecting your tyres could not only endanger yourself and your passengers, but also other road users and pedestrians too. It is generally acknowledged that drivers with tyres with tread below 3mm experience dramatically reduced performance, particularly when braking in wet conditions. http://www.3mmtyres.co.uk/ Your insurance becomes invalid if you are driving with illegal tyres and you could recieve fines and penalty points. Not only do regularly checked tyres ensure safety, they are also better for the environment and your pocket. Tyres which are not well maintained need to be replaced more often. Similarly, they do not optimise fuel consumption which equates to higher Co2 emissions and more fill ups at the petrol station. What should I check? The following checks should be made regularly to ensure your tyres are safe: Check the tyre pressure. Check the pressure of your tyres at least once a month and particularly before a high speed journey such as on the motorway. The right pressure is one factor in the safety and longevity of your tyres. The checking of your tyre pressures should be done 'when cold' (that is when you have travelled less than 2 miles.) Don't forget to check your vehicles handbook for the correct tyre pressures for your type of usage.     Look for signs of irregular wear Is the tyre worn evenly across the surface? If not, this could be a sign of wheel misalignment. Kerbing and potholes can cause misalignment which can reduce the lifespan of your tyres so it is worth checking them regularly. Some tyre related problems may only be noticed when the car is in motion. For example, an unbalanced wheel can cause an unusual shaking feeling or a wobble through the steering. Unbalanced wheels can actually cause mechanical damage to the vehicle. Tyres need to be balanced to eliminate vibration.  Balancing prevents premature wear of the tyre, and also protects the vehicle's suspension, steering systems and bearings and contributes to the comfort of the passengers. Correct tyre balance gives: 1. Even distribution of the load over all four tyres. 2. Tyres protected from premature and irregular wear. 3. Driving comfort due to reduced vibration. Correct tyre pressures The right tyre pressure is vital for even braking, maximum grip and good tyre life. Tyre pressures should be checked at least once every fortnight and whilst the tyres are cold. It can be dangerous to re-inflate a tyre that has been run flat or seriously under-inflated. Such tyres should be removed and checked by a tyre specialist..Tyres that are Under or Over inflated can result in inferior handling, excessive wear and early tyre failure. Worn tyres greatly increase braking distances. We strongly suggest you consider replacing tyres before the legal limit of 1.6mm.   Check tread depth of each tyre The legal tread limit in the UK is 1.6mm across 75% of the tyre. To check if your tyres are legal, peer into the bottom of the tread grooves of the tyre and look for raised rubber strips. These are the tyre wear indicators; if your tyre tread wears down to their level on any part of the tread, it's definitely time for new tyres, because you're approaching the legal minimum. If you don’t have a tread depth gauge then the border of a 20p piece can be inserted into the main grooves to see if you tyres are below or above 3mm. Look out for cuts, bulges or cracks in the tyre as these can not only be dangerous but potentially illegal. Also, check for ‘Flat spots’ which can occur from heavy breaking or an emergency stop. It is recommended that you thoroughly check tyres for damage especially after hard braking.   Tyre repair In certain situations, a tyre can be repaired. The repair of tyres must be preceeded by a careful examination of all areas of the tyre carried out by a trained specialist, inside and out. The removal of the tyre from the wheel is absolutely essential because internal damage is not visible while the tyre is fitted. When Should I Replace My Tyres? • After a puncture, a tyre specialist detects a defect that renders the tyre unrepairable. • If the tyre is not suited to the vehicle. • If it has reached the legal limit of wear. • Localised abnormal wear? • If it shows signs of ageing. Lounge Lizard Design © 2011