Some Brits May Have Wheel Trouble

We all know that the tyres on our car are one of the most important components. They are the only contact we have with the road and if they are worn or damaged too much this can have a detrimental effect on our driving and may even cause us to have an accident. However, it seems that many of us are of the opinion that our tyres are fine even though we have not checked them.

More than half of the UK's drivers reckon that they are yet to get behind the wheel of a car with less than sufficient tyres, it has been reported. Research from a leading tyre manufacturer has found that 76.7 per cent of motorists are of this belief.

A third of people also claimed to know exactly how to spot if their car had an unsafe tyre, while half have checked their own wheels during the past month, it added.

However, one in five has admitted that they have not previously checked their vehicle, which may mean they are more likely to compromise their car insurance policy.

It is recommended that you check your tyres weekly for damage and wear and tear.

Things to check for:

•    Tread condition – the legal depth for tyre tread is a minimum or 1.6mm in a continuous band throughout the central three quarters of the tread width, throughout the whole of the circumference.
•    Inflation pressure – the tyre must not be under inflated or too over inflated. You can find the correct pressures for your vehicle in the manual.
•    Tread/side wall damage – side wall damage can be very serious as is can lead to a tyre blow out.
•    Signs of irregular wear – this could mean the wheel is not fitted correctly and is wobbling during travel. This could lead to the wheel becoming detached from the car in the most extreme cases.
•    Cuts – a cut in excess of 25mm measured in any direction on the outside of the tyre and deep enough to reach the ply of cord would deem the tyre illegal.
•    Mismatched tyres – radials and cross ply tyres should not be mixed on any vehicle, it is illegal to have a cross ply tyre on one side with a radial on the other. Ideally tyres should be bought in pairs and fitted together.

If you would like to know more about driving why not ask AnswerBank Motoring.