When it comes to driving, your car’s tyres should be considered one of the most important elements. After all, they are the barrier between you, your passengers and a very fast moving road. Tyre maintenance is a necessity which is frequently underestimated, but it is one of the most important tasks for every car owner.
Regular tyre maintenance not only ensures the safety of you and your passengers, it is also a legal requirement and not complying with UK regulations could result in hefty fines. On top of this, looking after your tyres can help to prolong their life, reduce your fuel bills and cut down on CO² emissions.
Simply checking your tyres regularly for cuts and bulges can go a long way in caring for your tyres. It is also important to keep an eye on your tyre pressure and tread depth.
Over or under inflated tyres can be highly dangerous and can risk putting you and your passengers at danger. Keeping your tyres at the recommended pressure will improve the life of your tyres, reduce fuel consumption and minimise risks of lower grip and longer breaking distances.
Tyres without adequate tread depth have an increased risk of aquaplaning, less grip and longer stopping distances. Tyres must also have a tread depth of 1.6mm to meet the legal requirements. If a driver is caught driving on tyres with insufficient tread they could face receiving a large fine. So if your tyres come short of this requirement you will need to have them replaced.
An important part of tyre safety is ensuring that your tyres are cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. Proper tyre care can increase the life of your tyres as well as improving their performance on the road.
When you fit new tyres to your vehicle you should take care to drive them in. This will help to remove the sticky film that is left over from the manufacturing process and can help you achieve optimal wear and more miles out of your tyres.
Tyre law in the UK requires that your tyres comply with manufacturer specifications and that they are maintained to the correct standards. If you are caught with tyres which are deemed illegal, you could face points on your licence and a hefty fine.
It is crucial that you prepare your tyres for driving in tough, unpredictable winter conditions. A few simple checks could prevent winter breakdowns and cases of tyre failure.