Tyres are often the most neglected on our cars, and we should take better care of them, our lives depend on them.
What does the tread do?
On perfectly dry roads, tread reduces a car’s performance because it has the effect of reducing the contact patch area, and the forces that can be transmitted through the contact patch are correspondingly reduced.
On a wet road, the tread is very important, the tread is designed to disperse water from the contact patch, thereby helping the tyre grip the road.
Without tread the tyre’s ability to grip a wet road is severely limited, making it almost impossible to stop, turn, accelerate, and corner.
Excessive tyre wear could place you in danger, Check out these simple pointers for more information on tyre wear:
- Shallow tread grooves make it harder to control the vehicle in wet weather and the chance of aquaplaning increases.
- The legal limit for a tyre tread grove should not be below 1mm across the tread surface at any point.
- To ensure your safety, measure the tread depth as part of your regular vehicle maintenance. Tread is the rubber on the tyre that touches the road surface.
- Most tyres have a treadwear indicator built into the tyre tread pattern. What this means is that tread wear indicators are spaced evenly through the main grooves in the tyre tread. If they are flushed with the level of the tread, then the tyre must be replaced.
- To ensure that you are driving on roadworthy tyres, get your tyre measured at a tyre dealer. They will measure the tread wear using a tread depth vernier.
- Treadwear patterns generally indicate signs of suspension setup. A well-balanced setup will allow for even tyre wear. Also, note that a misaligned suspension will cause irregular wear on the tread surface and reduce tyre life.
What to watch out for (tyre damage):
- While measuring the tread, look for cupping, or scalloping. These are small scoops, or divots, carved from the tread. They can indicate misalignment or other problems with your vehicle. Take your car to a service centre immediately.
- Watch out for bulges in the tyre tread or sidewall and this indicates that they are not safe.
- Make sure your tyres are the correct pressure. The recommended inflation pressure is shown on a placard attached to the body – usually on the driver’s door pillar – and in the owner’s manual. Tyres need to be checked regularly, at least once every two weeks.
- They should also be checked before you go on a long journey, or before towing, when they might need to be set higher.
- Remember to also check the spare.
- Rotating your tyres can also help to get the most out of them.
- Also do a wheel alignment and balancing of your tyres.
When should I replace the spare?
- The spare is almost always forgotten, left to sit in the dark in the boot of our car until needed in an emergency.
- Spare tyres that are six years or older should only be used in an emergency.
- A tyre that is 10 years old should be replaced.
Driving style
- To maximise your tyre life avoid spinning the wheels on acceleration or locking them when braking.
Maintaining your car
- Keeping your car in tip-top shape can help extend the life of your tyres and regular wheel alignment checks are a good idea.
Contact us and visit our service department for competitive prices on tyres, balancing and aligning.
031 714 3600
153 Josiah Gumede Road(Old Main Road)Pinetown
www.hondapinetown.co.za
