Tyres are the most important component of any vehicle, yet they are the most overlooked. This is probably the most critical car safety feature that you car has.
Understandably, people put a lot of emphasis on safety features when they are buying a car. This is especially true for those people who have to transport their precious families to school, sport practice, or on a driving holiday. Safety features will also be considered when buying your first car.
You steer your car with the steering wheel but it's the grip of the tyres that makes the car turn. You apply the brakes but all they do is stop the wheels from turning. It's the grip of your tyres that actually stops your car. When you think about it, one tyre has to hold up one quarter of the weight of the car and the patch of rubber on the road is the size of the palm of your hand. Therefore, just one bad tyre could cause you some severe problems especially when driving at speed or if you encounter an emergency situation.
Tyres are also responsible for the sound inside your car and how smooth the ride is. Putting new tyres on you car can change a noisy and bumpy car into a smooth quiet one!
How can I tell if my tyres are safe?
1. Tyre pressure. Just keep an eye on it. Check you car manufacturer's recommendations for pressures (owner's manual or fuel tank door). Do the tyre pressure checks at least monthly or every time you wash you car - whichever is sooner! (Remember the spare as well.) Underinflated tyres are not only unsafe, they can considerably increase your car's fuel consumption.
2. Tyre rotation. Have your mechanic rotate your tyres. This means moving your tyres to different corners of your car. This will help to even out tyre wear and make your tyres last longer.
3. Tyre inspection. On a monthly basis at least, look for uneven wear of the tread, and cracks or blemishes anywhere on the tyre. Any signs of these are a red flag and should be referred to your local tyre dealer for advice.
4. Tyre tread.The purpose of the tread is to channel water away from the rubber blocks. As mentioned above, it's the rubber that contacts the road that creates the grip.The legal minimum tread depth is 1.5mm. The tread wear indicator built into most tyres will tell you when your tyres are at their minimum and time to change.
5. The feel of the car.The way your car feels when you drive can tell you a lot about the condition of your tyres. If you notice any shaking or dragging while driving, it's likely that your tyres are to blame. Again, you should refer to your local tyre dealer to further investigate.
So if you routinely check your tyres, you will be able to identify tyre problems early and rectify them before any damage occurs. Putting in that little extra time will not only considerably extend the life of your tyres, but will also help keep you and your family safe!