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Tyre Safety
Your tyres are your car's point of contact with the road so it is vital they are in good order. Worn, over-inflated or under-inflated tyres can be dangerous and lead to accidents.
Check tyre tread
Tyre treads are designed to provide grip on wet roads. If your tread is worn then you risk skidding. Although the legal minimum tread limit is 1.6mm, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) recommends that tyres should be replaced as soon as the tread reaches 3mm.
You can buy a special tyre depth gauge to check the tread. Otherwise, the majority of new tyres have their own built-in tread wear indicators. These are small blocks of rubber in-between the treads, roughly half the actual depth of the tread. If you find that your treads are level with these little blocks, your tyres need replacing.
Check tyre pressure
Tyres should be correctly inflated according to your vehicle's handbook – the pressure will need to be adjusted if you are carrying a heavy load. As well as affecting your car's handling and braking performance, over- or under-inflated tyres will reduce their lifespan. Under-inflated tyres will also reduce the fuel efficiency of your car.
Your manual's recommended tyre pressures will be for cold tyres, so check them before starting out on a journey, not afterwards. Also check for any bulges or cuts – if you see any, consult a tyre specialist. Also, remove any stones you see embedded in the tread, and wipe away any oil or grease with a suitable detergent.
Replacing tyres
If you have to replace tyres, it is illegal (and dangerous) to put different types of tyres on the same axle – it would also be dangerous. The safest, most efficient option is to stick to the same brand and tread pattern.
Keeping your tyres in good order will reduce your chances of an accident or getting a flat tyre, but it is still wise to have adequate breakdown cover. Get an online quote today from Green Flag today.
