Tyres are one of the many parts of a vehicle that we barely think about, until we are told that they need replacing (and groan at the expense), or we discover the consequences of having old or damaged tyres (at best expensive, at worst, fatal).
To prevent nasty surprises and dangerous accidents, it can help if you understand a bit more about tyres and how to tell their age and condition so that you can identify and fix potential issues before they become serious problems.
Knowing the age of your tyre in terms of when it was manufactured is, as we explained in last week’s blog, a simple process. Look at the last four digits of the second set of figures on your tyre; they tell you the week and year that the tyre was produced.
When to change your tyre depends on the tyre quality and manufacturer, how much you drive, the conditions in which you drive, how and where you store your vehicle, and your driving style. Some manufacturers recommend that you change your tyres every 6 years regardless of their condition, while others say their brands will last ten years. For vehicles that are used less frequently, such as campervans, trailers and caravans, the tyres can suffer from ageing more quickly. It is advisable to get them checked by tyre specialists at least every five years.
In between checks, you can keep an eye on your tyres yourself. Look for cracking, tread deformation, and check the depth of your tread every month and before you go on long trips.
Make your tyres last longer by thinking about how and where you drive, as well as where you keep your vehicle. If a vehicle is driven at a low speed on well cared for roads and kept in a garage the tyres will last much longer than a vehicle that covers all terrains (including those dreaded potholes), is keep outside and subjected to the elements, and driven by a driver more suited to the racing track than the school run.
Replace your tyres before they cause damage to your wallet, you, or other road users. Suffering from a blow out is inconvenient and can be incredibly scary and dangerous. Don’t wait for the recommended 8,000 miles or five years to elapse; if you notice that your vehicle is trickier than normal to handle, or slower to stop, or if you notice obvious signs of damage, wear or tear, get your wheels checked over at your local garage; the cost of not doing so could be very high indeed.
When it comes to road safety, always be guided by the professionals; if you are in doubt, regardless of the age of your tyres, drop into your local tyre specialist or garage for advice. For more guidance, follow us on Facebook or Twitter.