1. Driving with Low Tread depth – the legal limit is 1.6mm and you can use the tread markers on the tire to check how close you are to needing new tires.
2. Ignoring Tyre Pressure – Tyre Pressure is important as your car will have a standard tyre pressure on most vehicles it can be found on your driver’s door when opened and they are usually between 35-40 PSI unless you have a smaller or bigger car than the usual size.
3. Mixing Tyre Types – Mixing tyre types might seem harmless, but it can have a serious impact on them as different brands and cars have different speed rating, wear rating, and mismatched tyres may sometimes lead to an MOT failure1
4. Delaying Tyre Replacements – delaying tyre replacements can lead to more damage and risk your life and car as tyres that are used a lot start to crack, lose pressure, wear down quicker which can lead to vibrations and bulges in the tyres which may cause you to veer off the road or tyres may blow.
5. Choosing Price over quality – It’s natural to want to save money when buying new tyres but some budget tyres may meet legal requirements but might not last as long and can fall short in areas like: wet grip, braking distance, noise levels, durability and fuel efficiency. You don’t always need the most expensive set on the shelf. The key is finding the right tyres for your vehicle, driving style and environment.
How to spot a tyre problem before it becomes a major issue
Tyres endure a lot of wear and tear as they’re constantly in contact with the road, but some common issues can be easily spotted if you know what to look for. Here’s a breakdown of the most frequent tyre problems:
Uneven Tyre Wear
This happens when the tread on your tyres wears down unevenly, often due to issues like improper alignment or under-inflation. Uneven wear can reduce traction, compromise handling, and shorten the lifespan of your tyres.
Punctures
A puncture can happen when sharp objects like nails or glass get embedded in the tyre. While some punctures are small and may not cause immediate flat tyres, they can lead to slow leaks, reducing tyre pressure over time and increasing the risk of a blowout.
Cracking or Bulging
Tyres can develop cracks or bulges over time, especially if they’re exposed to extreme temperatures or UV rays. Cracks can weaken the tyre’s integrity, while bulges often signal internal damage, such as a separated belt. Both problems are serious and should be addressed immediately.
Flat Tyres
A flat tyre can occur from sudden punctures or gradual loss of pressure. While it’s easy to spot a completely flat tyre, slow punctures may not be as noticeable until the tyre becomes dangerously deflated.
Valve Issues
The valve stem, which is responsible for holding air in the tyre, can become cracked or damaged. If there’s a slow leak around the valve, it can lead to air loss, leaving your tyres under-inflated.
How to Inspect Your Tyres
Regular tyre inspections can help you catch problems early and prevent more serious issues. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to check:
1. Visual Inspection
Take a close look at your tyres and check for:
Cracks or Bulges: Signs of ageing or internal damage.
Punctures or Embedded Objects: Small nails or glass can cause slow leaks.
Uneven Wear: This could indicate alignment or inflation issues.
2. Check Tread Depth
Tread depth is crucial for grip and safe braking. Use these methods:
The 20p Test: Insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves. If the outer rim is visible, the tread is too shallow and may need replacing.
Tread Depth Gauge: A more accurate way to measure depth, ensuring it meets the legal UK minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.
3. Inspect Valve Stems
Look for cracks or damage around the valve.
Ensure the cap is in place to protect against dirt and leaks.
4. Check Tyre Pressure
Use a pressure gauge to measure against the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (usually found in the owner’s manual or inside the driver’s door).
Under-inflated tyres reduce fuel efficiency and increase wear, while over-inflated tyres can affect grip and handling.
Regular tyre checks only take a few minutes but can help prevent costly repairs and keep you safe on the road.
How Tyre Problems Affect Your Vehicle
Tyre problems can have a significant impact on your vehicle’s performance, safety, and efficiency. Worn or under-inflated tyres reduce grip, making steering less responsive and increasing stopping distances, especially in wet or icy conditions. Uneven tread wear can cause the car to pull to one side, affecting stability and handling. Poor tyre maintenance also leads to higher fuel consumption, as under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder.
Additionally, damaged or overinflated tyres increase the risk of blowouts, which can result in sudden loss of control. Neglecting tyre health also puts extra strain on suspension and braking components, leading to uneven braking and costly repairs. Regular tyre checks and maintenance help ensure your vehicle remains safe, fuel-efficient, and roadworthy.
Prevention Tips
Taking care of your tyres can help prevent costly repairs and improve safety. Here are some simple steps to keep them in top condition:
Check Tyre Pressure Regularly: Maintain the correct tyre pressure based on your vehicle’s manual to improve fuel efficiency and handling.
Monitor Tread Depth: Use the 20p test to ensure tread depth is above the legal minimum of 1.6mm for proper grip and braking performance.
Inspect for Damage: Look for cracks, bulges, or embedded objects that could cause slow leaks or blowouts.
Rotate Your Tyres: Switching tyre positions every 5,000-8,000 miles helps ensure even wear and extends lifespan.
Get Wheel Alignments: Misaligned wheels cause uneven wear and poor handling, so schedule alignments if you notice steering issues.
Avoid Overloading: Carrying excess weight puts extra strain on tyres, leading to overheating and premature wear.
Schedule Professional Checks: Regular inspections by a tyre specialist can catch problems early and ensure your tyres are roadworthy.
Following these simple maintenance steps, you can extend tyre life, improve fuel economy, and enhance overall driving safety.
Keeping your tyres in good condition is essential for safety, performance, and cost savings. See our various tyre brands for the most reliable and high-quality car tyre brands in the industry.
