Tyre Checks You Can Do Yourself to Stay Safe on the Road
It is recommended by experts that you check your tyres monthly. People, however, don't tend to check their tyres until they have their car MOT done. But you can check your tyres yourself. When checking tyres you need to look for problems like splits, cracks and punctures, or the tread wearing away. If there are problems that have gone undetected, you are potentially putting your vehicle, and possibly even your life, at risk.
Tyres are integral as they connect the car to the road, and if tyres have something wrong with them the whole control of the car can be affected and this is potentially dangerous. Poor tyre pressure and under-inflated tyres can cause poor grip and make your journey more dangerous as a result.
Motorists may think that skipping car services may save them money, but if they choose to do this, they should take responsibility for checking tyres thoroughly and not neglect them. On long journeys, it is important especially that your tyres have been checked as with long distance journeys there may be several obstacles on the road that may put pressure on your tyres, which if not checked can be quite dangerous.
Checking tyre pressure can help preserve your tyre for a long time. You can do this yourself by checking the pressure gauge. This is important as under-inflated tyres are in danger of overheating, and this can affect the handling of the vehicle on the road. Maintaining your tyre pressure can improve vehicle performance and reduce fuel consumption - saving you money. You will also be able to see any stones or objects that are trapped in your tyres.
Hotter temperatures lead to lost air from tyres. The lost air affects performance and can lead to problems on the road. As more air is lost through the hotter weather, there should be more regular tyre checks the more the temperature rises. If after checking you are still unsure, then there are many car servicing companies with specialists that can help. It will cost, but peace of mind should always be put ahead of compromising your safety.
It is also important to check for any external damage your tyres may have suffered, that can be caused by things like potholes, kerb impacts and road objects. Potholes can cause rapid tyre wear and possible suspension damage. You need to make sure your tyres are inflated to the fullest possible pressure, and monitor the tyre pressure. That is because potholes can cause damaging effects to your tyres. Kerbs can always cause long term damage. When a car impacts with the kerb the tyre can burst or get pieces lodged in it. A lot of the time this is undetected, which is why if you feel you have had a bump from the kerb you need to check your tyres straight away, or have an immediate car service. Objects can also be lodged in your tyres and this is dangerous as it can affect tyre pressure but also leave you vulnerable on the road. Check tyres thoroughly and if the object is lodged in and you cannot get it out, make sure you make an appointment straight away to get your car fixed.
Checking for wear is important too, as the treads on tyres get worn down over time. It is a legal requirement to have at least 1.6mm depth in the treads in the UK. When it's wet, tread helps grip the road, and it can be especially dangerous in wet or snowy conditions, if you try to drive with worn-down tyres.
You need to make sure your tyres are checked for your own safety on the road. You can check your tyre pressure by inspecting the state of the tyre. If both tyres look similar then it is more likely that both tyres are alright. It is always good to check all four, just in case, as they can could look similar but still have things wrong with them. A thorough check should, therefore, identify any problems, and these checks can help you keep safe on the road.
Matt Robbins - Online Manager of Halfords Autocentre (previously Nationwide Autocentre) have more ATA trained mechanics than any other independent garage group being the UK's leading provider of Tyres, MOTs and car servicing and repairs across the nation.
For all other enquiries, call 0800 096 4216.
20 Jul, 2011
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Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6438034
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