Basic Maintinence

Basic Maintinence: Remember! Your tyres are the only contact you have with the road, so it pays to make some regular checks on their condition. So, here are some very simple tips that anybody can follow to check to ensure that you are driving on a safe set of tyres. [Tyre Pressures] [Tread Wear] [Uneven Tread Wear] [Sidewall Damage] Tyre Pressures: Your tyre pressures should, ideally be checked once a month. Most petrol garage forecourts will have the right equipment, or it can be done with a basic foot pump. You should follow the pressures as suggested in the manufactures handbook. If you are checking the tyres pressures yourself then there are several things to remember.
1. Try to use a dial gauge tyre pressure gauge to give an accurate reading. 2. Always check your pressures when the tyres are cold. 3. When carrying an increased load you will need to increase tyre pressure. 4. Under or over inflated tyres will affect your cars handling and braking. 5. Incorrect tyre pressures will result in excessive tyre wear. 6. Always ensure the valve dust cap is put back on! 7. Remember to check your spare wheels tyre pressure.
Tread Wear: As with tyre pressures, tread wear should be checked regularly. The tread depth is responsible for your cars cornering grip and braking ability in wet road conditions. By checking regularly you will also be able to identify possible tracking problems or incorrect tyre pressure by seeing uneven tread wear. Checking your tyres tread can take seconds to do. No special equipment is required so there shouldn’t be any excuses! To do this all you need to know is what to look for. To begin with turn your steering wheel fully in either direction and look at the treaded section on your tyres (The bit with the groves on), and follow the groves in the tread around until you see some raised rubber strips. These are your tyre wear indicators (see highlighted areas in the picture below). When the tyre tread wears down to the level of these strips then your tyres are nearing their legal minimum. Time for new tyres!
Uneven Tread Wear: This isn’t always obvious as it can take time to develop and show. As a rule of thumb, if your tyre’s tread is worn in the centre then your tyre pressure is too high, and if they are worn around the edges then the tyre pressure is too low. However, don’t confuse a tyre pressure problem with a tracking problem. This will generally occur on the front tyres, and will show as excessive wear on either the outside or inside edge of the tyre. This sort of problem is usually caused by hitting a deep pothole or nudging a kurb. It is always worth getting your tracking sorted as you will find the car nicer to drive and a good deal safer! Sidewall damage: Not always an obvious thing to check, but there is things you need to look out for as they could be a potential danger. 1. Cracks - These can be a result of age and general deterioration, these can be a result of long-term storage or if a vehicle is left for a period of time. 2. Bulges - This is a sign of damage under the surface of the tyre. 3. Tears - Caused by kerbing. Possibly deep or chunks missing. Remember that a damaged tyre is a dangerous tyre and possibly even an illegal tyre. Any of the above problems could be the lead to a tyre deflating or at worst a blow out! Pay attention to leaks: If you find you are gradually losing air in your tyres, get your tyre dealer to check them immediately. You could have a problem with the seal between the rim and the tyre, a problem with the valve or even a puncture that isn’t visible to the eye.