In the UK, statistics have revealed that 1 in every 5 drivers never check their tyres. If you belong to this population, this guide is for you. Checking your tyres’ condition is a vital necessity. Driving with tyres that are not in their best condition could lead to major accidents: blowouts, losing vehicle control, and hydroplaning being some of them. The UK's annual average for lethal injuries due to defective tyre related accidents is 159. This is in no way a small average. Accidents due to tyres could not only affect you but also your loved ones and others on the road. So how do you prevent such disastrous situations? Such situations could only be avoided by your awareness regarding your Car Tyres Smethwick. Every vehicle owner and driver should be aware of the right time to change their tyres. They should also stay informed about the tips to care about their tyres and the laws that are prevalent in the UK.

First things first: When to change your tyres?

Understanding your car is crucial if you are a vehicle owner or a driver. Your car gives you signals about its conditions. Similarly, you should be able to comprehend these five major signs of urgent tyre replacement:

• Lifespan: We usually recommend vehicle owners to replace their tyres after completing 5 years. Usually, tyre treads begin to lose their functionality after 5 or 6 years. This leads to frequent cracks and damages. 
• Cracks, blisters, or damages: Tyres with visible cracks on the sidewall are a sign of urgent replacement. Visible damages also necessitate new tyres for your vehicle. 
• Tread depth: A major indicator for your tyre’s condition is the tread depth. The legal minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm ensures a functional, high-performance tyre. So, pay attention to highly worn tyres that have reduced tread depth. 
• Excess vibration: Our technicians have observed that a tyre that is worn-out or poorly balanced will cause excess vibration in your car. Such a significant reduction of your comfort while driving is a sign you need new tyres. 
• Unusual noise: Your tyres are not supposed to produce squealing or squeaking noises. So, if you are experiencing such noises while driving, it is the right time for you to consider buying new tyres.

How to care for your car tyres?

Next, learn the most basic but highly significant ways to care for your car tyres. With these four tips, you can easily maintain your car tyres Smethwick:

• Maintain proper fitting for your tyres. Inaccurate tyre fittings cause irregular damage and tyre wear. Such prolonged damage makes your tyres irreparable. It is necessary to have correct tyre balance, alignment, and suspension. 
• You should always use tyres that match the specifications of your car. For instance, your tyre’s speed ratings, load index, size, and model must match or, in some cases, exceed your vehicle’s capacity specifications. Things that must also be considered are your style of driving, usage frequency, weather conditions, and road conditions. Hence, purchase your tyres only after considerable research. 
• Check your tyre’s inflation regularly. Doing this will give you an idea about your tyre’s air pressure, because proper inflation ensures your tyre’s safety and longevity. Overinflated tyres produce unwanted vibrations, which can cause tyre damage and discomfort while driving. In tyres with underinflation, cracks, bulges, blisters, and damage to tyres is common. It also causes increased rolling resistance, and your vehicle consumes more fuel. 
• Timely checks of tyre treads is important too. As 1.6 mm is the legally advised tread depth, tyres with tread depth coming anywhere near this number must be changed immediately. Worn out tyre treads are potentially dangerous. They can cause accidents or other mishaps.

Laws for your tyres in the UK.

There are around 10 million illegal tyres on the UK roads every day. You could be charged for £2500 for driving with illegal tyres, along with three penalty points on your licence. So, what makes your tyre illegal for use in the UK? Continue reading to find out:

• The first law for your tyres is a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm. If you are found driving with tyres tread depth anywhere around 3 mm, you could be charged for usage of illegal tyres. 
• Using incorrect tyre type for your vehicle model could result in a fine or punishment. The tyre type, size, and air pressure must be according to your vehicle’s manufacturer suggestion. 
• Different types of tyres should not be fitted to opposite wheels of your car. For a better explanation, let us consider an example where you are fitting radial-ply tyres to a wheel on the axle that already has cross-ply tyres fitted to it, or vice versa. This is considered unlawful in the UK. 
• The UK law prohibits using tyres with a cut deep enough for the body cords to be visible. This means it is unlawful to use tyres with a cut more than 25 mm or 10 percent of the tyre’s section width in length. 
• A tyre with a lump, tear or bulge that is caused by a partial fracture of the tyre’s structure must be disposed of immediately. Any portion of the ply or cord structure must not be exposed in a tyre.

If you follow this simple guide for your car tyres, you could avoid some of the major causes of road accidents. For better, extensive tyre checks and services, visit our centre or schedule an appointment right away.