Avoid Tired Tyres

By Charlene Clarke

Have you checked your car’s tyres recently? If the answer is no, you’re not alone – a Bridgestone Tyre survey reveals that more than 10% of vehicles on SA roads have at least one unsafe tyre.

A few simple steps can help you avoid tyre and other problems:

• Keep tyres at the correct pressure – have it checked when the tyres are cold.
• Fit the correct tyre as specified by your vehicle manufacturer.
• Stick to the vehicle-load limits.
• Regularly check tyres for slashes, cuts and other irregularities.

These precautions will lead to improved road safety and and reduced motoring costs. ‘Driving with a tyre that is just 20% underinflated could increase your fuel consumption by as much as 10%,’ says Peter Henning, Goodyear’s automotive-engineering and customer-services manager. Underinflated tyres wear out and need to be replaced sooner than they should. When getting the pressure checked, don’t forget about the tyre in the boot. About 70% of drivers forget to check the spare,’ he says.

And be extra careful in wet weather: All tyres, no matter how new, are adversely affected by rain as dirt, oils and other matter on the road are lifted by the water, creating a loss of grip.

Properly inflated tyres also make for a more comfortable ride, says Mike King, managing director of Trentyre. ‘Remember the buffer area between you and the road is only the size or the palm of your hand! ‘And remember to check the tyres on your boat, caravan or trailer too – especially before setting out on holiday.