How many of us realise that the only connection we have with mother earth while travelling is the four patches of rubber touching the road? Even more reason to pay great attention to the condition of your car’s tyres. Read about the following tips and discover how to look after your car’s tyres.1
Is the tyre tread legally compliant? 1
Inspect your car’s tyre tread regularly to ensure everything is fine. South African law demands that tyre tread should be a minimum of 1 mm deep across the tyre’s complete width and circumference. It is safer to adhere to a depth of 1.6 mm. You can use a gauge to check the tyre depth.
Is your car roadworthy? 1
Remember, authorities consider your car not roadworthy when the tyre tread is illegal. This could compromise an accident claim with an insurer.
When should buy a new tyre? 1
Industry recommends you not wait until a tyre has reached a depth of 1.6mm or even worse, 1mm. Instead change tyres when the tread depth has reached a 3mm depth. The law requires your tyres to have at least 1mm of the tread left on your car’s tyres to be roadworthy.
What are tread wear indicators? 1
These are rubber protrusions that manufacturers have positioned below the surface of a new tyre. As the tyre gradually wears down, the tyre surface will reach these indicators. And then it’s time to change tyres.
Look out for any damage1
Many sharp things can be lying on road surfaces and damage tyres. Look out for any bulges and cuts, especially on the tyre’s sidewalls. Hitting potholes at speed can create a bulge in a tyre sidewall, affecting your safety. Did you know that a nail in the sidewall could compromise the tyre’s structural integrity? Unfortunately, you may have to throw away the tyre in such cases. Always get a professional opinion immediately.
Does it matter if tyres have incorrect pressures? 1
Underinflated tyres make your car work harder due to tyre friction, which results in more fuel consumption. Increased tyre friction means a greater heat build-up and more significant wear, which is bad for tyres. Over-inflated tyres lose some contact with the road surface, making the car have less grip on the road.
Apply correct tyre inflation1
Check on the inside of the driver’s door, fuel flap, or the car manual for correct tyre pressures to follow. Ideally, check pressures afterwards using your pressure gauge, as gauges at garages may not be accurate. Remember, when you have a full load, adjust tyre pressures accordingly. This is particularly important when embarking on a long journey. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre’s pressure and general condition. You don’t want the very tyre you suddenly need in an emergency to be useless.
What if you have a puncture on the road?
Most motorists today won’t be able to change a tyre should they get a puncture. So, a vital question to ask yourself is what help is available for you should you experience a puncture at any time? Besides their affordable car insurance with unique benefits, PMD also offers a 24/7, roadside assistance and towing service for your peace of mind. So, contact them and find out more. T’s and C’s apply.
Source:
1https://www.news24.com/wheels/news/guides_and_lists/top-10-simple-tyre-care-tips-20180122
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
