Tyre maintenance and car care tips for maximising vehicle safety

This is a collaborative post

Vehicle safety doesn't come down to your tyres entirely. The brakes, seatbelts and condition of the windscreen also play a crucial role, among other systems. However, since tyres are in constant contact with the road while providing traction and manoeuvrability, they are prime candidates for any ongoing car that might be needed to improve safety. What do you need to know to ensure that you and other road users remain safe while you're behind the wheel? Read on to find out more about car tyre safety tips.

Pump your tyres up

Under-inflated tyres can be a killer on the road. When your tyres are even partially flat, they mean you can swerve around debris on the tarmac less effectively. When cornering, you may find you lose control and could even spin out. Equally, the additional braking time that flat tyres need means they are basically unsafe. Pump your up to the recommended level every second time you refill your tank and maintain this habit. Don't over-inflate them either, something which also causes problems with sufficient grip.

Check the tread depth

When tread depth is approaching the legally safe limit, it will already be underperforming. This is often most noticeable in wet weather when tyres with lower levels of tread struggle to clear water and are more prone to aquaplaning. Even in the dry, it takes longer to stop with tyres that cannot grip as well. Replace old tyres that are approaching the end of their lives. Fife Autocentre offers free and easy booking on the website and you can choose your car tyres at local prices.

Photo credit Enis Yavuz via Unsplash

Inspect your sidewalls

Not many motorists appreciate just how important their tyres' sidewalls are. The sidewall is a section of the tyre that doesn't come into contact with the road so you might think ignoring it is okay. However, sidewalls face more UV light than other parts of a tyre. UV wavelengths can deteriorate rubber over time leading to bulging or scars. Tyres with them could blowout so you'll need to have them exchanged if you notice these issues.

Car tyre maintenance

Given the advice outlined above, looking after your tyres to ensure you and your passengers are safe on the road isn't hard and doesn't take long. Make sure you don't compromise on the condition of your tyres if you want to remain safe when driving.