Tyres & Wheels - Keep the caps on
Picture this.....You step out onto your driveway ready to start your morning commute to work or the daily school run only to discover a flat tyre. How in the heck did that happen overnight you wonder? If the tyre valve is missing its cap, the culprit might be a leaky valve. Those little caps keep out dirt and moisture that can cause leaks, so be sure to keep caps on all your tyre valves. If any are missing give your local independent garage a call to order you some in
Another tip: When you replace tyres, remind the tyre centre or your friendly local independent garage that you expect new valves with the new tyres, as the thread can wear down when you continually remove and replace whilst checking your tyre pressures monthly....you are doing that aren't you??.
Maintain proper inflation
Under-inflated tyres are a tyre salesman’s best friend. Why? Well they create excessive heat and stress that can lead to tyre failure. If you want to get every last mile out of your tyres, get yourself a tyre pressure gauge and use it at least once a month or failing that check them whilst you are at the petrol station filling up (more often in hot weather) to keep your tyres inflated to the recommendation in the vehicle owner’s manual. Check tyres when they are cold (driven for less than one mile) for an accurate reading - so before you start your journey.
Beware the wet thumb
If you are filling up with air at a petrol station, check to see if there’s moisture coming from the air pump. Simply depress the pin inside the inflator valve with your thumbnail. If your thumb gets wet, advise the station manager that his tanks need to be drained and go to a different station. Why? you may ask..... well moisture trapped inside a tyre, can cause pressure variations and corrode the rims and you dont want this additional expense.
If you are filling up with air at a petrol station, check to see if there’s moisture coming from the air pump. Simply depress the pin inside the inflator valve with your thumbnail. If your thumb gets wet, advise the station manager that his tanks need to be drained and go to a different station. Why? you may ask..... well moisture trapped inside a tyre, can cause pressure variations and corrode the rims and you dont want this additional expense.
Check for uneven wear
Check your tyres monthly for uneven wear. If you’ve maintained tyre inflation properly, uneven wear may indicate the need for a wheel realignment. It can also mean improperly operating brakes or shocks, a bent wheel, internal tyre damage, or worn bushings. With the amount of potholes on our roads today an under inflated tyre can cause so much damage to other parts of the car. The only way of avoiding unnecessary expense is to carry our regular checks on your vehicle. Five minutes a month spent checking things like tyre pressures, oil and water levels can save you hundreds if not thousands of pounds in the long run.
Check your tyres monthly for uneven wear. If you’ve maintained tyre inflation properly, uneven wear may indicate the need for a wheel realignment. It can also mean improperly operating brakes or shocks, a bent wheel, internal tyre damage, or worn bushings. With the amount of potholes on our roads today an under inflated tyre can cause so much damage to other parts of the car. The only way of avoiding unnecessary expense is to carry our regular checks on your vehicle. Five minutes a month spent checking things like tyre pressures, oil and water levels can save you hundreds if not thousands of pounds in the long run.
Check tread for safety
Tyres legally need to be replaced when they have worn down to 1/16-inch (1.5 mm) of remaining tyre depth. However, if you’ll be driving in the rain, you should change your tyres when there is 1/8-inch (3 mm) of tread left. Otherwise, water may not escape from under your tyres fast enough and you risk hydroplaning — a dangerous situation in which your car loses traction and literally floats on the water. With the amount of rainfall we are currently experiencing it is even more important to ensure you have enough tread on your tyres to ensure you avoid accidents. Stick 20p between the treads in several places. If the outer edge is covered, you have enough tread to drive in the rain. If you drive in snow, you’ll need at least 3/16-inch (5 mm) of tread to get adequate traction - you’re ready for winter driving.
Tyres legally need to be replaced when they have worn down to 1/16-inch (1.5 mm) of remaining tyre depth. However, if you’ll be driving in the rain, you should change your tyres when there is 1/8-inch (3 mm) of tread left. Otherwise, water may not escape from under your tyres fast enough and you risk hydroplaning — a dangerous situation in which your car loses traction and literally floats on the water. With the amount of rainfall we are currently experiencing it is even more important to ensure you have enough tread on your tyres to ensure you avoid accidents. Stick 20p between the treads in several places. If the outer edge is covered, you have enough tread to drive in the rain. If you drive in snow, you’ll need at least 3/16-inch (5 mm) of tread to get adequate traction - you’re ready for winter driving.
Rotate your tyres
Rotating your tyres helps to distribute tyre wear evenly and ensures that you’ll get the maximum road life out of them. The first rotation is especially important.Your owner’s manual should specify both rotation period and pattern. If not, rotate your tyres every 6,000 to 7,500 miles (9,700 to 12,000 km) — your tyre dealer or local independent garage should know the correct pattern of tyre rotation. At ACC UK Ltd we offer free tyre and battery checks if you are ever unsure as to how much tread you have. Just pop in and we will be happy to check them for you completely free of charge. Always remember that correctly inflated tyres last longer saving you money by ensuring you get the maximum life out of them. Happy Motoring and stay safe out there!
Rotating your tyres helps to distribute tyre wear evenly and ensures that you’ll get the maximum road life out of them. The first rotation is especially important.Your owner’s manual should specify both rotation period and pattern. If not, rotate your tyres every 6,000 to 7,500 miles (9,700 to 12,000 km) — your tyre dealer or local independent garage should know the correct pattern of tyre rotation. At ACC UK Ltd we offer free tyre and battery checks if you are ever unsure as to how much tread you have. Just pop in and we will be happy to check them for you completely free of charge. Always remember that correctly inflated tyres last longer saving you money by ensuring you get the maximum life out of them. Happy Motoring and stay safe out there!
