Tyre Safety Centre – 3 Essential Safety Checks
by Brian, under Cars, Safety & Advice.
Tyres are the only link between the car and the road. Thus, it is very important to regularly visit tyre safety centre. A slight mark of damage can affect the proper running of the vehicle.
Generally, people are convinced that higher air pressure will not adversely affect the tyre, and tyre safety is taken for granted. But, improper and unbalanced condition of wheels can be dangerous, not only for the users, but also for other people on the road.
Tyre Safety Centre brings Self Safety
It has become a legal compulsion for the car owners to verify that their car tyres are in a proper condition. Ideally the tyres should be checked once a week. The checks are of prime importance during winters and before a long drive.
The three essential safety checks for tyres are as follows:
Tread Depth
According to law, the tread depth of tyres should be, at least, 1.6 mm. This is applicable for the whole tyre circumference. It is recommended that the tyres should be changed, before they reach this limit. If the user is driving on a wet road, the tyre’s grip starts degrading and the stopping distance is increases. Hence, one should never forget to get the tyres checked during the rainy season. Also, it is imperative that the tread depth is same across the tyre.
Air Pressure and Alignment
Tyre pressure should be checked every week, at a safety centre, and when the tyres are cold. If they are hot, the user might get a wrong pressure reading. If the tyres are inflated, below the essential pressure required for them, it can cause rapid worsening of tyre and the tread shoulders. This condition can also lead to increased consumption of fuel, and hence, greater emissions.
The tyres should be checked for over inflation too. It can lead to increased degradation, because the area of contact between car tyres and road decreases. Another important aspect regarding pressure is that there should not be unequal pressure in the tyres. Unequal pressure can cause damage to the tyres and can impair the car’s balance.
Cars should be checked for proper alignment of its wheels. This is important for the movement of vehicle in a straight track. Properly aligned wheels add life to the tyres.
Tyre Condition
The tyres should also be checked for stones or objects that could have been stuck inside the tread. If any nail is present in the tyre, it should immediately get it removed as it can lead to tyre puncture. Changes in weather condition can lead to cracks in tyres. Hence, check the tyre for any cracks too. If the user parks his car in an open space or if the tyre is more than 5 years old, the chance of damage to tyres increases.
Thus, a user should get his or her car tyres checked on a regular basis at a tyre safety centre. Proper maintenance will increase the life of tyres as well as the car. It will also ensure personal safety, along with other people on road.