Car Maintenance Tips – tyre checks to be aware of

It is important to regularly check that your car tyres are in good working order. It can be dangerous to drive your car with very worn tyres and also when they are under inflated due to issues with grip and handling. Tyre pressure is very important so you should check your car manual for the recommended tyre pressure as this varies with different models of cars. The correct pressure can also often be found inside the petrol filler cap. Top up your tyres with air at least once a month and ensure that the spare tyres are checked as well and topped up to the right pressure so that they are ready if and when you should need them.

Motorists can buy a tyre pressure gauge from motor supplies shops so you don’t need to rely on going to the garage to check this. These are generally available at reasonable prices and they are very useful to check when your tyres are due for a replacement.

Check the tyres for wear and tear, including cuts or bulges. Also check that the correct tread depth is in place. This is generally 1.6mm across the central ¾ reserve of the tyre and around the outer circumference.

Many of us know how inconvenient it can be to change a tyre, especially if you do it yourself instead of calling your breakdown service. There are four items that you should carry with you to help make the experience of changing a tyre when you are on a journey as stress-free as possible. These include a pair of gloves to keep the hands warm and clean and a couple of old sheets of cloth. One of these sheets can be put down on the road to help keep your clothes clean and the other to wrap up the dirty tyre before putting it back into the boot. An anorak will also be handy if you end up having to change a tyre in the rain as well as a fully recharged or even re-chargeable torch in case you have to do it in the dark.

Other essential tools you should make sure you carry with you in the car include a wheel nut key to remove the security bolts fitted to some car tyres. Practice doing this process in your own driveway or garden as this is a better place to learn than in the dark or rain on a busy road side. This will help you to learn where all the main things are including the jacking points on the underside of your car.