Every motorist needs to make sure that they keep their tyres in good condition. Driving can take its toll on your tyres, which can not only wear them down but could impact the performance of your vehicle and safety. So, how can you keep your tyres in good condition? Read on for all that you need to know.
Check the Pressure
It is important to get into the habit of checking the pressure on a regular basis and always before setting off on a long drive. Low tyre pressure could lead to a blowout or cause damage to the tyres, plus you may find that the car is not as fuel efficient if you are driving on low pressure.
Check the Tread Depth
Checking the tread depth is a vital maintenance task that should be carried out regularly, especially once the tread starts to get worn. Keep in mind that the legal minimum is 1.6mm – anything less than this will result in a £2,500 fine (per tyre!) and points on your license. It is recommended that you change your car tyres well before this for safety and peace of mind.
Don’t Overload the Car
Overloading the car will put additional weight on the tyres, which could cause damage and excessive wear. This is why it is important to have the right car for your lifestyle, such as a used Citroen C3 if you are looking for a hatchback with 5 seats and a decent-sized interior.
Keep Your Wheels Aligned
It is important to keep the wheels aligned not only to protect the car but also the tyres. If your wheels are not aligned correctly, this could lead to uneven wear and damage as well as increase fuel consumption. This is why you should get your wheels aligned whenever the car is getting checked over or when having new tyres put on.
Mind the Curb
Bumping the curb when parallel parking happens from time to time, but you do need to be mindful and avoid this and mounting the curb where possible. This is because mounting or bumping the curb can see the sidewall become pinched, which can weaken the tyres and could cause a blowout.
Maintain Good Driving Habits
Finally, you need to maintain good driving habits to prolong the life of the tyres. Accelerating, braking and cornering should be done as gently as you can to prevent wear and tear on your car tyres.
Hopefully, these tips will help you to start looking after your tyres and prolong their life. The car tyres can easily become damaged and worn over time, especially when you do not know how to look after them properly. This can impact the longevity but also the safety and performance of the car, so it is important to look after your tyres.