Summer Tyre Care Tips
What are some things you can do to maintain your tyres during summer? Keeping your tyres well maintained, not just in summer but all year round, is integral to making sure your car is safe to drive and performs efficiently. Your cars tyres are also the only point of contact between the ground and your vehicle, and if not properly looked after, can affect your balance, fuel consumption, and steering.
Here are some of our top tips to help you keep your tyres in top condition this summer.
1) Regularly check your tyre pressure
Your car's tyres naturally lose their pressure over time. Underinflated tyres can cause poor fuel economy, decreased steering and braking control, and as well as faster wear on the outer edges.
The summer heat can also cause over inflation of your tyres too. When driving, the tyres heat up and this increases the pressure inside the tyre. Unfortunately, this can lead to a reduction in grip as less of the tyres tread is in contact with the road surface, and can in some cases lead to a tyre blowout.
It’s advised to check your tyre pressure monthly, and inflate your tyres to the recommended pressure as per your owners manual.
2) Check your tyre tread
Your tyre tread affects how much grip you have with the road. The deeper the tread wear bars in the centre portion of your tyre, the better the grip and traction you’ll have while driving.
High summer temperatures can accelerate the natural deterioration of the rubber, and cause it to harden, crack and perish faster.
As often as you can, check the tread depth of your tyres, and ensure they meet the legal 1.6mm tread depth. You can check your tyre tread depth by using a tread depth gauge, or trying the 20p test.
3) Check the valves
Checking your tyre valves is more essential than you might think. Ensuring they’re screwed on tightly prevents any air pressure from leaking out of the tyre, which could cause a drop in performance.
Tyre valves also ensure the valve is protected from any outside sources that could cause damage, such as dust, mud and water.
4) Keep your tyres clean
When cleaning your car, washing your tyres may be the last priority on your list, but it can seriously help their longevity during the summer months.
Washing them thoroughly and applying a good coat of tyre wax can prevent them from drying out too quickly, and as a result cracking or perishing.
5) Have a manual inspection
Having your tyres inspected by a reputable garage or service centre can provide you with the assurance that they are in good condition and that your vehicle is safe to drive.
Mechanics will inspect your wheel alignment as well as the general wear and tear on your tyres.