Do you remember the last time you had your tyres replaced or even simply checked over? Even though tyres are critical to your safety on the road, this is frequently overlooked.
Overly worn tyres can make it more difficult for you to manage your vehicle and increase your risk of aquaplaning. When your tyres are worn down to the point of a blowout, your stopping distance increases. Plus, there is much more chance of being pulled over by the police and getting a fine and potentially even points on your licence.
It’s crucial to have your tyres checked out and replaced if necessary to ensure your safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of others on the road. Read on to find out more about what to look for to know it’s time to have a tyre check.
Tyre Tread Depth
To be considered roadworthy, your tyres must fulfil certain regulatory standards. A fine or points on your licence might ensue if you ignore these laws and continue to drive on extremely worn tyres.
A brand-new car’s tread depth would be roughly 8 millimetres, but it would wear down over time. Each tyre must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 millimetres. So, if your tyres are less than 3mm in depth, you should get them checked out by a tyre shop.
In order to determine whether your tread depth is considered unlawful, you can perform the 20p coin test. This is such a simple test to do, but it could save you many thousands of pounds in fines. Put the 20p piece into your tyre tread. If you can see the raised edge around the coin, the tread on your tyres is less than 1.6 mm, which is illegal.
Check Your Tyre Pressure
It’s inevitable that you will lose tyre pressure as you drive along. It will vary depending on the temperature of the road – and the air around you – what kind of load you’re carrying, and even the time of year. If your tyre pressure is lower than it should be, you can quickly top up the air at most petrol stations; you can find out what the right pressure is by looking at the handbook or searching online.
However, if you find that you constantly have low tyre pressure, even if you have topped up the air, it could be that you need a new tyre. This might be due to a faulty valve, a fault in the tyre itself, or a tiny slow puncture. It’s best to have a tyre check to see what the issue is and replace the tyre as necessary.
Cracks On The Tyre Sidewall
When you check your tyres, you should look for any cracks that you can see. Cracks in the sidewall of the tyre are a sign that a blowout could happen, which is very dangerous when going fast. Tyres get cracks when the chemicals and oils in the rubber that they are made of break down. If you spot this, make sure you take your car to get the tyre changed as soon as possible, and ideally, put the spare tyre on to make that journey.
You Hear A Strange Noise
We’ve all experienced the anxiety that comes with hearing strange sounds coming from our cars all of a sudden. If you hear strange sounds coming from your tyres, you need to have your car looked out. The sound of a squeaking, whining, or creaking tyre is usually a sign that something is wrong with them.
As air pressure changes, these sounds might be heard in the event of a tyre puncture or fracture. A tyre blowout might ensue if you don’t pay attention when you hear this noise.
There Are Blisters Or Bulges On The Tyre
Occasionally, the tyre’s outside surface begins to degrade. As the tyre deteriorates, bulges or blisters may appear on the surface. Because a sudden blowout might result from this weak spot, you should get your tyres checked thoroughly or possibly changed if you detect anything strange.
Life Expectancy of Tyres
Tyres typically last for around 20,000 to 25,000 miles on average, however, this can vary greatly according to your driving habits and the vehicle you drive. For example, However, they should be swapped sooner than this if you notice any of the problems listed above.
The consensus among tyre manufacturers and safety groups is that vehicle owners should replace their tyres roughly every 5-6 years. This is reiterated by the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO), who state that tyres may be considered new for 5 years from the date of manufacture.
To find out how many miles your tyres can last before needing to be replaced, check with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
It is also important to recognise that there is a legal requirement to maintain your car including your vehicle tyres. Remember, this legal requirement exists to help keep you, other drivers and pedestrians remain safe, and to prevent accidents occurring on the roads.