Tyre Safety Tips - Summer Holidays - Tyre Dealers Durham, North East

Tyre Safety Tips For The Summer Holidays

The Summer holidays are finally here, tyre safety tips you should consider before setting off on long journeys.

Checking the pressure of your tyres

Your tyres are probably one of the most important features of your car. Without your tyres you could not get to your destination, therefore it is important you ensure they are looked after correctly.

As a driver, it is your responsibility to ensure your tyres are in good condition. Another important factor is that you understand how the different weather seasons can affect your wheels.

Did you know that a rise in temperature during the summer can impact on your tyres? This summer has certainly been one of the warmest we have had in a long time. Therefore it is important you check your tyre pressure regularly. Pressures can fluctuate and without the correct pressure in each tyre, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk. Tyres which are incorrectly inflated can have an impact on the handling and grip of your car on the road. Whilst driving at high speeds this can be extremely dangerous, therefore it is essential your ensure your tyres are correctly inflated prior to going on that road trip this summer.

Tyre Safety Tips – Checking your tyre pressure

Checking your tyre pressure is quick and easy. You use a digital tyre pressure gauge, this is a small device which is inserted into the valve cap of each of the tyres. This gauge then measures the tyre and will let you know if you need to either inflate or deflate it.

For your information, the correct pressure for your tyres you will be able to find in your car manual. Often these details are also located on a sticker which is positioned at the inside of the car drivers door.

Measuring the tread depth of your tyres

Another important thing to do is check the tread depth of your tyres. The tread depth is the measurement between the part of the tyre which has contact with the road surface and the bottom of the tyre deep grooves. To enable your vehicle can grip the road, a sufficient amount of tread depth is essential.

Furthermore, it is illegal to drive with bald or worn tyres. UK law says that each tyre has to have a minimum tread of 1.6mm. If your tyres do not meet this, not only are you putting yourself and your passengers at risk, you could also end up with a heavy fine. If one or more tyres are below this limit the fine is currently £3,500 and three points per tyre on your licence. Finally, if you are unsure of how to check your tyres, call into our tyre dealership in Durham and we can check them for you. You will find all our details on the contact us page.

Now you have your tyre safety tips sorted here are a few other top tips

Plan ahead – when the sun is shining a lot more people take to the road. Try to where possible strategically plan your journey. Check online route planners for traffic updates, these can be great for advising you which roads to avoid.

Keep yourself and your pets cool – on long journeys the inside of a car can become quite uncomfortable and hot. If its too warm you can start to feel tired, ensure you stay cool and alert. Keep your air on the coldest setting or open the windows, if you have pets in the car ensure they are kept cool

Ensure you and your pet are well hydrated. Drivers which are dehydrated can become tired, start to lose concentration. Pets can also overheat and become unwell, schedule infrequent stops to have a drink and rest before carrying on your journey.