For novices, cars can be complicated machines to understand and knowing when something needs maintenance can be tricky. A vehicle’s tyres are arguably the most important part of the car, being the only part to make contact with the road, they affect acceleration, steering and braking.

There are some simple checks you can carry out to decide if your tyres need replacing, let’s have a look at what they are.

Tread Depth

Having the correct tread depth on your tyres will mean that your car performs better and is safer overall when travelling in adverse weather conditions. Legally, all tyres should have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 millimetres. 

A simple way to test whether your tyre tread has enough depth is to use a 20p coin and place it in the tread grooves. If the tread covers up to the border where ‘twenty pence’ is written, then your tyre’s tread depth is sufficient. 

Tyre Pressure

If your tyres don’t have adequate pressure, your car’s steering, braking and efficiency can be negatively affected. Low tyre pressure can increase wear and tear, thus making you more likely to be involved in an accident. 

Tyre pressure can be measured at your local petrol station by using a tyre pressure gauge that should be readily available to drivers. Your vehicle handbook should advise you as to what the correct tyre pressure should be. Remember to check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cold in order to get the most accurate reading.

Cracks or Bulges

Cracks and bulges can be more easily recognised because they can be spotted simply by looking closely at the tyres. These imperfections can be caused by general wear and tear, a reaction to cleaning products or UV light. 

Bulges and cracks can usually be found on the side wall of the tyre and can lead to a puncture or even a blowout if left untreated for too long. If you notice any bulges or cracks it is best to speak to a garage and get the tyres replaced as soon as possible.

Uneven Wear

Whilst giving your tyres a visual inspection, you should also make sure that any wear and tear is uniformly applied evenly across the tyre. If you notice that some parts of the tyre are more worn down than others, it could mean that your vehicle’s wheel alignment needs correcting.

If your vehicle has incorrect wheel alignment, this can seriously diminish the performance of your tyres, causing them to be less fuel efficient and increasing the risk of a blowout. If you notice any uneven wear on your tyres you should book your car into a garage to get it checked out straight away.

Contact FRM Automotive

We at FRM Automotive offer a broad range of tyre services in Peterborough. For more information or to check our availability, feel free to get in touch by sending us a message or by calling us on 01733 333 838.