The Essential Guide To Keeping Your Tyres Safe – Three Easy Steps

The Essential Guide To Keeping Your Tyres Safe – Three Easy Steps

Tyres are one of the essential parts of your car, and keeping them in good shape should be a priority. In this article, we’ll go over three easy steps to help you keep your tyres safe and sound. From regular maintenance and checks to getting the right tyres for your vehicle, find out how to ensure your tyres are ready for the road ahead!

Introduction – Why Tyre Safety is Important

It is estimated that around one in three motorists do not know how to check their tyre pressure, leading to dangerous and even fatal accidents. 

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), there are around 8,000 accidents involving tyre-related problems yearly in the AU. Of these, 300 are severe accidents and 15 results in fatalities. 

Therefore, safety is essential for all drivers, and knowing how to check your tyres before setting off on a journey is essential.

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Step One: Check Tyre Pressure

It’s essential to check your tyre pressure regularly. Under-inflated tyres can cause a blowout, and over-inflated tyres can wear down prematurely. The best way to check tyre pressure is with a digital tyre gauge.

Insert the metal probe into the valve stem on your tyre. The digital display will show you the current PSI (pounds per square inch). Compare this number to the recommended PSI for your vehicle, which can be found in your owner’s manual or your car’s doorjamb.

If your tyre pressure is low, use a portable air compressor to add air until it reaches the recommended PSI. If your tyre pressure is too high, release some air by pressing on the valve stem with the tip of your digital tyre gauge.

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Step Two: Check Tyre Tread Depth

As you know, driving on roads with tyres that do not have the correct tread depth is illegal. But did you know that having tyres with insufficient tread depth is also illegal? The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference. 

You will need a tread depth gauge to check your tyre’s tread depth. These can be bought cheaply from most car accessory shops. Once you have your meter, please insert it into the main grooves of your tyre’s tread. If the tyre’s tread depth is below 1.6mm, your tyres are illegal and must be replaced.

Step Three: Wheel Alignment and Balance

Your car’s wheels must be aligned and balanced regularly to ensure a smooth ride. You can have this done at a garage or do it yourself.

To align your wheels, first, check the tread depth of your tyres. If they are worn down, they will need to be replaced. Next, measure the distance between the wheel rims and the ground. This is called the camber. If the camber is not even, your wheels must be adjusted.

Place your wheels on a scale and spin them slowly to balance them. The heavier side must be weighted down with balancing weights until the scale reads evenly.

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Conclusion 

It is essential to check your tyres regularly to ensure they are safe. Tyres are the only contact point between your car and the road, so ensuring they are in good condition is necessary. There are three easy steps you can take to check your tyres: 

1. Check the tread depth – the legal limit is 1.6mm, but you should aim for 3mm for safety. Use a tread depth gauge or a 20p coin – if the coin’s outer band is visible, then your tread depth is below 3mm.

2. Check for any damage – look for cuts, cracks or bulges in the tyre wall. If you spot any damage, get it checked by a professional as soon as possible.

3. Check the tyre pressure – this should be checked at least once a month and before long journeys. Use a tyre pressure gauge to check the pressure of each tyre against the manufacturer’s recommendations.

By following these three simple steps, you can help to keep your tyres safe and in good condition.

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