This is a sponsored post…
Tyres:They’re the type of thing you don’t really give much thought until something goes wrong like a puncture; I’ve changed my fair share of tyres (and yes to live up the cliché most of those were at night and in the rain!) but apart from a flat tyre being annoying, making sure they’re both legal and safe is one of the most important aspects of vehicle maintenance and safety.
Lack of tyre safety contributes to more than 1200 road accidents per year in the UK and if that’s not enough to make you sit up and listen then tyres that don’t meet the minimum legal standards could result in three points on your driving license and fine of up to £2500.
As well as ensuring your car and tyres are in tip-top shape when you own it it’s also really handy when you’re looking to purchase a car.
Here are 5 common tyre care mistakes:
- Tyres come in pairs
I have to admit to this one being new to me, apparently, there is a common misunderstanding that tyres are sold/fitted in pairs – that’s absolutely not the case and you’re able to buy and have fitted a single tyre.
- Leave it to the professionals
Whilst the fitting of new tyres is always best carried out by professional tyre fitters, their maintenance is something that is most definitely a job for you. tyres are literally what keep your car going, so it’s worth getting to know them (don’t worry I won’t be advocating singing to them!!) – It doesn’t hurt to inspect your tyres once a month even once a week during winter months when road conditions are at their worst. By regularly inspecting your tyres you can spot any problems early on and also keep the air topped up.
- The 20p test
I remember when I got my first car an elderly relative telling me about the 20p test – whereby you take a 20p and sit in within one f the tyre grooves, if you can see the outer edge then your tyre tread is to low. In fact the depth of a 20p is double that of the minimum legal tread level of 1.6mm. However tyres don’t always wear down evenly so whilst this isn’t a hard and fast test, it’s a great indicator of when to actively think about your tyres and head to a tyre specialist for a professional assessment.
- It’s all about the tyres
Consumers commonly believe that getting new tyres is as simple as pulling up to a tyre dealership and the old tyre being swapped for a new one. In truth there’s so much more that goes into tyres/wheel care than simply the tyre – rim care, wheel alignment, balancing – that’s why it pays to choose your tyre dealership wisely.
- Tyres aren’t the only thing that needs checking
I remember my Grandad always going on about having your car checked regularly at a garage, and it’s taken me all this time to realise he was right all along. Brakes are another really important part of your car to have checked and repaired if needed. Fife Autocentre. offers its customers good quality, long lasting tyres. Purchase tyres for your vehicle from them today.
There you have it – 5 common tyre care mistakes, let me know yours in the comments.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.
