Vehicle safety is one of the top concerns of drivers. With so many intricate parts it is important that they are all working properly.
Whilst tyres are one of the larger parts, they still need regular maintenance. Driving around on tyres that aren’t fit for purpose is illegal. You could be given 3 points on your licence per tyre as well as a fine of up to £2500. Any insurance policies will be invalid too, leaving you in trouble should an accident happen.
Here are some things you should know about your tyres and tips on how to maintain them properly.
Understanding Tyre Performance and Safety Ratings
If you have ever been shopping for tyres you may have noticed that they have labels next to them with various bits of information. All tyres are ranked A to E in various weather conditions with A being the best and E the other end of the scale. The ratings are usually split into wet braking and rolling resistance or fuel efficiency.
Utilise these labels when you are next in the market for tyres to help you decide which are the best for your driving habits.
Importance of Regular Tyre Maintenance
As with the rest of your car, regular tyre maintenance is important. There is a legal tyre depth that all tyres must meet to be considered roadworthy. In the UK and Europe, it is 1.6mm however 3mm is recommended for safety purposes.
Get into the habit of checking the depth every couple of weeks and before a long journey. Use a 20p and insert it into the tread grooves. If you can see the outer band of the coin then it is time for a tyre change. If not, you are OK to keep on driving.
When you are in need of new tyres, you can take your car to a garage and have them handle it for you. Alternatively, you can buy tyres online so you can compare prices and options.
Advances in Tyre Technology
With a boom in electric vehicles on UK roads, the demand on tyres has changed. EV owners are often looking for something that matches the eco-friendly nature of their car. Where rubber tyres wear away, that rubber has dissipated into the environment, so manufacturers are considering shifting back to natural rubber rather than synthetic.
Major companies are also starting to develop smart tyres. Sensors embedded in the tyre can detect when the tyre pressure is too low, for example. Tyre temperature also often increases before a blowout so sensors alerting you to this will help to prevent a major accident and harm to anyone.
Smart sensors can also be used to detect changes in road conditions and alert you to them. This is especially useful in wintry conditions for detecting black ice which can be incredibly hazardous if you are unaware.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tyres are a fundamental aspect of vehicle safety, directly influencing grip, braking efficiency, handling, and overall stability. Regular tyre maintenance, including checking pressure, tread depth, and alignment, is vital for ensuring optimal performance and safety on the road.
Choosing the right tyres for your vehicle and driving conditions further enhances safety and driving comfort.
By understanding the critical role tyres play and committing to their upkeep, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safer driving experience for themselves and others. Prioritizing tyre care is not just a maintenance task but a crucial element of responsible driving.
