Tyre wear – safety facts and care

According to statistics presented by a well-known road safety organization, one in every five of the UK’s motorists never check their car tyres. For young drivers, the same statistic increases to three out of five. According to the same source, Tyre Under-inflation has been identified as the major cause of road accidents and poor fuel economy.

Keeping the above statistics in mind, this article will be talking about three most important things that should be checked regularly by motorists:

1. Tyre Tread

Note that the minimum legal requirement for the tyre tread depth is 1.6mm across the entire surface of the tread in contact with the road. For measuring your car tread depth, a tyre tread depth gauge is commonly used. However, there are ways to estimate your tyre tread depth at home by using a 20 pence piece!

The border that contains the inscription around the edge of the coin is 2.6mm. Make the coin stand on any of the seven flat surfaces around the edge. In each groove, you will get a good idea of the extent of tyre wear. If the border isn’t visible, then it’s fine. But if any of it is visible, then you need to get your tyres checked by professionals because your tyres might be reaching to their legal limit and should be replaced immediately.

2. Tyre Pressure

Your car has been designed to operate well with a certain type and size of tyre to give you that expected driving comfort and performance. Therefore, tyre pressure also has a direct impact on your car’s economy and safety. Tyre pressure should therefore be monitored daily to remain safe on road. The optimum pressure for your front and rear tyres are mentioned in your owner’s manual therefore don’t forget to consult it.

3. Tyre Condition

Our car tyres are the only part of the car that are in contact with the road, therefore, their overall condition should be checked regularly. As time passes, tyre tread automatically starts to wear. Therefore, always check your tyre tread once a month. Maintain a habit of visually inspecting your tyres once a week and look out for any cuts, bulges or bumps etc. Such conditions are not common and if noticed, should be checked by experts. 

Finally, no matter how regular you are with your tyre care regime, there comes a time when you have to replace them. Tyre replacement can be due to an unexpected damage or normal and excessive tyre wear. Whenever you replace your tyres, do remember to replace them with a tyre of correct specification. Again, you can consult your owner’s manual for knowing the correct tyre size and kind best suited for your vehicle.

For our motorists in Birmingham, looking for new car tyres, one recommendation would be to visit Plume Tyres.  Plume Tyres offer good quality tyres in Birmingham for sale at economical rates. You can either visit their garage or shop tyres online.