Car tyres and your safety - some top tips

It is therefore of paramount importance that tyres should be maintained in good condition at all times and that when the time comes to change them the correct replacements are fitted.

The original tyres for a car are determined by joint consultation between the car and tyre manufacturers and take into account all aspects of operation. It is recommended that changes in tyre size or type should not be undertaken without seeking advice from the car or tyre manufacturers, as the effect on car handling, safety and clearances must be taken into account.

In some other European countries it is illegal to use replacements which differ in certain respects (e.g. size, load, and speed rating) from the tyre fitted originally by the vehicle manufacturer.

DO NOT MIX TYRE TYPES

Except in the case of temporary use spare tyres supplied as original equipment, it is illegal in the United Kingdom and dangerous to mix tyres of different types on the same axle. It is also advised that the same tyre type is fitted to all wheel positions.

KEEP THE PRESSURE CORRECT

Recommended tyre inflation pressures for your vehicle can be found in the vehicle handbook and/or on a placard mounted on the vehicle. In the absence of either of these consult the tyre manufacturer. Correct pressures are related to loads, speeds and vehicle handling and are vital for maximum safety, braking, grip and good tyre life.

Prolonged under-inflation causes excessive flexing, deterioration of the casing and rapid wear of the tread shoulders. The vehicle will also consume more fuel.

Over-inflation results in an uncomfortable ride, a reduced area of contact with the road, accelerated wear on the tread centre and makes the tyre more susceptible to impact damage.

Inflation pressure should be checked at least every two weeks and only when the tyre is cold, since there is an increase in pressure when the tyre has warmed up after being run.

A reliable and accurate pressure gauge should be used.

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

Examine your tyres regularly, removing stones and other objects embedded in the tread. If the tyre has lumps or bulges it must be examined by a tyre specialist since these could indicate internal damage. Wipe away oil or grease with a suitable diluted detergent.

WATCH YOUR TREAD

Tyre treads are designed to give good grip on wet roads, but wet grip decreases as tyre tread pattern wears down or as the depth of water increases. Motorists should take this into consideration and reduce speed when it is wet.

The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm throughout a continuous band comprising the central three-quarters of the breadth of tread and round the entire outer circumference of the tyre. Tyre wet grip deteriorates more rapidly in the second half of its tread life.