Be prepared for the chill with a set of winter tyres
03/12/2012 16:53
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Be prepared for the chill with a set of winter tyres
Drivers should carry out a number of maintenance checks on their car's tyres to make sure they are able to handle even the harshest of wintry conditions.
Parts of the UK have seen their first dusting of snow over the past weekend, while large sections of the country have woken up to icy and frosty weather this morning.
A substantial increase in rainfall levels has also been recorded across the nation, with the bad weather sure to expose badly worn tyres, as well as those deemed illegal for road use.
With all of this in mind, drivers are encouraged to check that the tread depth of each tyre is much higher than the minimum target of 1.6mm. Tyre pressures also need to be adjusted to what is recorded in the manufacturer’s handbook, while also being free of any sidewall damage or bulges.
It is not just with the tyres currently in use that need attention paid to them – a spare tyre that is not fit for use will not be a lot of help should an emergency arise.
From a maintenance stance, cleaning dirt from around the valves of the tyres and fitting dust caps should substantially prevent pressure loss, while uneven wear should be avoided as this is sure to cause excessive wear on tyre edges.
Lee Taylor, from the UK branch of Allianz Global Assistance, believes drivers should go one step further when checking tyres during the chillier months of the year and invest in a set of winter tyres.
His comments come soon after research by Allianz Global Assistance revealed that 66 per cent of motorists did not fit winter tyres last year, with 46 per cent stating that the products did not seem a worthy investment.
However, Mr Taylor commented: "Most drivers will have to replace the full set of tyres on their vehicle at some point during ownership.
"Swapping to winter tyres for a few months at a time each year not only means they last many years, but it saves wear and tear on a car's standard tyres helping them to last much longer."
Posted by Louise Clark
