Tyre Safety Tips Before Holidays

Tuesday 8 November 2022

If you want to have a stress-free holiday, then you will want to make sure that you give your tyres a good check-over. If you can do this, then you can make sure that you are not going to end up being marooned at the side of the road. If you want to make sure that your holiday goes to plan, and if you don’t want to be stuck with crying kids and a flat tyre when you’re supposed to be on your way to the theme park, then this guide will tell you some of the top checks you should be doing, so you can make sure your car is in top condition at all times.

Be Mindful of Tyre Pressure

The first thing you should be doing is checking your recommended tyre pressure. You can do this in accordance with the owner’s manual which should be in your glove box. Of course, you can also find a sticker most of the time, on the inside of the fuel flap. If you do not see this, then be sure to check the passenger side door. Remember it is more than possible for you to get your tyres inflated if you go to a local petrol station, but ideally, you will want to do this before the holiday so you can make sure that everything is in order. A lot of people don’t think about carrying extra weight when they inflate their tyres, and this should always be a consideration. If you are carrying more passengers or luggage then the recommended tyre pressure will usually change, so it is important to keep this in mind where possible.

Check the Depth

It is imperative that you have at least 1.6mm across three-quarters of the tread. This needs to be across the entire circumference of the tyre. One good way for you to check this would be for you to get a coin and then insert it into the tyre grooves at several points. If you can see that the outer band of the coin is visible, then your tyre could be illegal, and you may need to have it checked over by a specialist. Of course, the coin you use will vary depending on the car you have but if you can find out what specifications you have to work to, you can then use this trick to check your tyres with ease.

Check the Condition

It is imperative that you check your tyre for any signs of damage or wear. Ideally, you need to look out for damages such as lumps, cuts, bulges, or even exposed cords. Sidewall damage should also be taken into account. During your inspection, it is wise for you to be mindful of any stones that could have found their way into the tread as well. If you do spot any wear in your tyres as a result of removing stones or debris, then getting this checked out now could save you from a disastrous situation when you are out with your family.

Check your Spare

If you know that you have a spare wheel then you should not forget to check its condition of it, as well as the tread and the pressure. If you have a spare that is only suited to temporary use, then you should take note of any speed restrictions that may be present. If you intend to change your tyre yourself when you are out and on the road, then try and make sure that you have all of the right equipment to do so. You may need a tyre brace as well as a jack. Checking to see that these work in advance is always a good way for you to prepare for your holiday.

Of course, if you want to make sure that you get the best result out of your tyres, then it is imperative that you give them a good check-over on a regular basis. If you don’t, then you will soon find that you end up putting your family at a bigger risk. Remember that holidays are usually busy times for car service stations, so be mindful of this and get any checks you need to do in advance to save yourself time and money.

If you want to find out more about how we can help you, what services we can provide you with or anything else of the sort, then we highly recommend that you get in touch with us today. You can contact us by using the form here.