Most people adhere to their car’s service schedule to keep it running properly. Unfortunately, tyre safety is often overlooked. It can be a serious mistake because the tyres are the only part of a vehicle in direct contact with the road. Naturally, their condition significantly impacts braking, grip, safety, and handling. The next time you take your vehicle for a car service in Wallingford, make sure to get your tyres checked.
What is the Role of Tyre Tread in Vehicle Safety
As already stated, tyres are the only part of a car that touch the road. Their tread plays a crucial role in steering, traction, and braking. Newly installed tyres usually start with around 8mm to 9mm of tread. For light vans, light trailers, and cars, the legal minimum is 1.6mm. It has to cover the central three-quarters and the entire circumference. Tread depth helps you stay in control when driving in wet and wintry conditions. The grooves help clear water from the road surface and maintain grip. On the other hand, the tread pattern, along with the rubber compound, affects performance.
What If Your Tyres Are Below the Legal Limit
You need to look after your vehicle tyres properly if you expect them to last long, improve safety, and ensure fuel efficiency. Here are a few simple but important care tips.
Check the Tyres for Damage and Irregular Wear
Inspect your tyres thoroughly for any cuts, cracks, bulges, punctures, or embedded objects. Also, check whether the tyre has worn out unevenly. Uneven wearing proves the car has tracking, suspension, or balancing issues. Consider going for a professional car service in Wallingford before a long trip.
Check Tyre Tread Depth
You need to check tread depth once per month, especially before long trips. Do not avoid this, even if your tyres are still legal at 1.6mm. After all, monsoon performance declines when tread depth decreases. That is why experts suggest getting a 3mm replacement before the rainy season starts.
Check Tyre Pressure Frequently
Tyre pressure should be checked once a month and before long journeys. Make sure that you use the pressure value recommended by the manufacturer. Incorrect tyre pressure can increase wear, affect braking, reduce grip, and raise fuel usage.
Rotate the Tyres When Recommended
The front tyres wear out at a different rate than the rear tyres. It is best to rotate them periodically. This approach ensures the tyres wear out evenly. Experts recommend rotating the tyres every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, but you should always check the car handbook first.
Store Your Tyres Properly
Choose a dry and sheltered spot away from direct sunlight to store spare seasonal tyres. Any sudden temperature changes will not bode well for them. Improper storage can speed up rubber ageing and reduce performance over time.
Are your tyres close to the limit? Are they wearing unevenly? Or do you want peace of mind before a long trip? If you answer “yes” to all these questions, you need a car service in Wallingford. At Chequers Garage Ltd, we pride ourselves on our innovative approach towards garage services.
Contact us today.
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