Tyre tipsTyre tips
1. Tyre pressure
The tyre pressure must always correspond with the pressure recommended by the car manufacturer. This should be checked at least every 14 days, and then again before long journeys. And make sure you don't forget the spare tyre. Always check your tyres when they are cold as pressures rise as tyres warm-up in use. Under inflating causes tyre overheating and this can result in irreparable internal damage. What's more, it may even lead ultimately to tyre deterioration.
2. Damage
Tyre damage can also be caused by heavy impacts such as driving against curbs or over potholes in the road. Prolonged use on bad surfaces is also to be avoided: Tyres can be very unforgiving!
3. Regular checks
Check your tyres regularly for damage, abrasions, cuts, cracks, blisters, etc. Foreign objects which have penetrated the tyres can also lead to internal damage. In any of these cases, damage must be investigated by a tyre specialist as it can considerably shorten the life of your tyres.
4. Old tyres tell a story
Never fit used tyres unless you are sure of their past history. Tyres age even if they have not been used Or have only been used occasionally. Cracks in the tread or in the sidewall rubber, sometimes accompanied by deformation of the carcass, are a sure sign of aging. Have your old tyres checked by a tyre specialist so that you can be certain they are still suitable for further use.
5. Take care of your spare tyres
Whatever their condition, tyres older than six years fitted on tyres must be thoroughly checked. Spare tyres deserve extra attention: They are frequently old or aged. In such cases, always use them with caution and ensure they are replaced as soon as possible.
6. Tread
The tread depth should be regularly checked; the less the tread-depth, the greater the risk of skidding. There are wear indicators in the tread which show how close the tyre is to its wear limit. These become visible at a tread depth of 1.6 mm. Drive extra carefully on wet roads.
7. Punctured tyres
If you get a puncture, it is imperative to stop as soon as possible and change the tyre. Besides the obvious safety considerations, continuing to drive on an under-inflated tyre can cause structural deterioration. Punctured tyres must always be removed from the wheel to check for secondary damage.
8. Repairs
If it is necessary and feasible to repair a tyre, it must be carried out by a tyre specialist as soon as possible to avoid any structural deterioration. All tyre repairs must be entrusted to a tyre specialist who will take full responsibility for the examination and the work carried out on the tyre.
