tyre safety tips

Do not use tyres with a tread depth of less than 1.6mm. Apart from being illegal, tyres with low levels of tread will slide easily, suffer from extended braking distances and will be more susceptible to rupturing. In wet conditions the vehicle will aquaplane making braking and handling almost impossible. 

Make sure your air pressures are correct. Low air pressure generates heat which can result in the rubber and cord separating, which in turn leads to the cord becoming cut and puncturing the tyre. Low pressure also results in excessive wear on the edge of the tyre, shortening the tyre's life and can cause your vehicle to pull to one side. Excessive pressure, meanwhile, results in unpredictable handling in addition to which, if the tyre suffers an impact, it's easily ruptured and cut. If you brake hard, the tyre may skid, which reduces tyre life as the centre of the tread becomes worn. Check tyre inflation pressures at least twice a month. Always check pressures when tyres are cool and maintain the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Don't drive with damaged tyres. If you drive with materials such as stone in the tread groove, or with a nail stuck in the tyre, the tyre can become punctured or ruptured. You should change the tyre immediately on discovering any damage to avoid any further damage to the carcass. See your vehicle owners manual for details on the removal and replacement of wheels to your vehicle.

Check regularly that wheel nuts are securely tightened! 

Never overload your tyres. The maximum load and inflation pressure of the tyres are moulded into the sidewall. Also, remember; the tyre is capable of carrying the maximum load only if it is inflated to its correct air pressure.

Never fit used tyres unless you are sure of their past history. Check your tyres age, even if they have not been used or have only been used occasionally. Cracks in the tread or in the sidewall rubber, sometimes accompanied by deformation of the carcass, are a sure sign of aging. If you are unsure have your old tyres checked by a tyre specialist so that you can be certain they are still suitable for further use.

If you get a puncture, stop as soon as possible and change the tyre. Besides the obvious safety considerations, continuing to drive on an under-inflated tyre can cause structural deterioration. Punctured tyres must always be removed from the wheel to check for secondary damage. See your vehicle owners manual for details on the removal and replacement of wheels to your vehicle.

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