| |
Ten top
tips for tyre care |
1 |
Examine tyres and wheels every
two weeks for signs of damage, uneven wear, splits, cracks or
embedded stones |
2
|
Purchase an easy-to-use tread
depth gauge, which will allow you to keep track of how much
tread is left on your tyres. The law requires an absolute minimum
of 1.6 mm, but changing at 2mm is easier to interpret |
3
|
Remember that tyres will often
wear at different speeds between front and rear and depending
on the vehicle |
4
|
Tyre pressures should be checked
every fortnight using a reliable gauge. Readings are now given
using the metric BAR measurement, although most gauges continue
to give the psi equivalent. |
5
|
Have your vehicle’s tracking
checked and adjusted every six months or after any heavy-kerbing
or impact. Incorrect tracking leads to uneven and accelerated
tyre wear |
6
|
The same principle applies
to shock absorbers, which affect tyres as they wear and become
less efficient in cushioning road impact |
7
|
Remember that your driving
style is one of the biggest factors in tyre performance. Harsh,
grit-spitting acceleration and boot-through-the-floor braking
will strip thousands of miles from the life expectancy of tyres
|
8
|
With so many types and brands
of tyres available. it is easy to select one for the kind of
car and driving you do. Big-name brands are generally suited
to business and high-performance driving, while for low mileage,
local motoring there are dozens of good makes at reasonable
prices. Budget drivers can also choose from quality tyres at
very competitive prices. Never risk the uncertain origin and
quality of part-worn or second-hand tyres, a retread is always
a better investment |
9 |
Professional retailers will
be happy to help with all aspects of tyre selection, advice
and tread depth and inflation pressure checking. Look out for
those displaying the prominent Approved Member signage of the
NTDA |
10
|
Finally, remember that the
law has strict penalties for illegal tyres. Maximum fines of
£2,500 per tyre and licence endorsement points can be
applied for the worst offenders. But the good news is that by
following these simple tips your vehicle will be safe, roadworthy
and legal |
