Keeping Your Tyres in Good Condition

Your tyres are the backbone of your car which is why it is imperative that you ensure they are in optimum condition. After all, you wouldn’t pick up a boiling pan of water without taking safety precautions so why do so many people risk driving a car that has treadless tyres? In fact, severely worn-down tyres can be deadly on wet road as the grooves are not deep enough to channel the treads which leads to a loss of control known as hydroplaning. Read on to find out why tyre quality is so important and a few ways you can keep them in tip top condition…

Rotation

Studies say that rotating your wheels will help you achieve a more uniformed wear and help your tyres last for much longer. Of course, this is all down to the specific type of tyres as each are affected differently. For example, four-wheel drives generally show twice the rate of wear on the front than on the back. Whilst tyre rotation can be completed at home, it is always safer to have it done at your local garage.

Tread Depth

According to the law, the legal minimum tread depth of a tyre is 1.6 millimetres around its entire outer circumference. With this said, tyres that reach that low are considered a safety risk because they reduce traction and how well the tyres are able to grip to the road surface. This means that treadless tyres are virtuously uncontrollable in inclement weather conditions. In addition to this, tread also helps cool down tyres by allowing air to flow between the grooves. Without these grooves, your tyres are at risk of blowing and this can be incredibly dangerous at high speeds.

Pressure

If the pressure of your tyres is not correct, then it can speed up the amount of time it takes for them to wear out. In fact, the right pressure is extremely important, especially for yourself and other drivers, as under inflated tyres can affect how well the tyre is able to grip to the road surface and may even result in a sudden rapid deflation. With this said, the correct tyre pressure can also have an economical benefit as under inflated tyres require a larger force to turn them, causing the car to burn more fuel. By keeping your tyres at the optimum pressure and checking them regularly, you can reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emission and prolong the life of your tyres.

Here at V12 we understand how daunting the world of cars can be, especially if you are not familiar with the terminology. In fact, many first-time buyers do not even know what tread depth is! If you’re looking to purchase a new vehicle, check out our wide selection of used cars at unbeatable prices today!