How to check your tyres

A tyre that gets regular use is generally in better condition than one that gets little use. This is because a well used tyre flexes which is good for the rubber. Tyres used on caravans and trailers generally get little use and the rubber hardens, and can then crack when used. For this reason, it is recommended that caravan tyres are changed every 5 to 7 years. Some insurance companies even insist on it.

When checking your tyres make sure you check them all, and include the spare if fitted.

The legal tread depth on a tyre in the UK is 1.6mm over 3/4 of the tread and all around the circumference. A quick easy check is to look at the tread depth indicators, these are small rubber mouldings spaced all around the tyre within the tread. These mouldings are approximately 2mm in height, so when they are level with the tread, the it is the ideal time to call us for new tyres.

When checking your tyres, it is not only the tread depth you should be looking at. You should also look at the sidewalls and within the tread for cracks.

Also check the tyre pressures, as if one tyre shows a pressure loss, then this may be the result of a puncture. Catching a puncture early means there is a better chance of repairing it, before low pressure causes the car to run on the rim damaging the tyre beyond repair.

To get a better idea of your tread depth, you can invest in a tyre tread depth gauge, this will allow you to make regular checks around the tyre and give a more accurate idea of the actual depths.

What can cause uneven tyre wear?

Premature tyre wear can be caused by improper tyre inflation. Over inflation will cause the tyre to wear out in the centre, under inflation will cause it to wear on both edges. Improper inflation also effects fuel consumption, braking distances and handling.

Wheel alignment also effects the wear, as it will cause one side of the tyre to wear, it is recommended to have your alignment checked every 8000 miles, once a year or every time you change your tyres. Generally wheelnut alignment effects the front tyres more than the rear. Adjustment to the rear wheels is more difficult, and is not always possible (Some cars have fixed axles).

What is the point of tread depth?

Most new tyres come with between 7 ~ 8mm of tread, when you get down to 3mm you will notice a loss of traction, and it is recommended to replace your tyres, even though you haven't reached the legal limit. Tread depth gives you grip on the road, especially if the roads are wet. Tread disperses water, the less tread depth, its grip is reduced and thus braking distances increase.

A newer tyre will disperse around 15litres of water every second, as your tread depth decreases so does the ability to disperse water. This can lead to aquaplaning, this is where your tyre hits a patch of water on the road and skims across the surface, potentially losing control.