If you own a car, one of the most important parts to look after is the tires. They are made to give you a smooth ride, excellent grip on the road, and keep you safe when driving. But over time, those tyres will start to wear down. If you stay on top of maintaining them properly, you could avoid some huge problems. Here, we’ll discuss why taking care of your tyres in Liverpool matters so much and share some easy tips to help you keep them in fantastic condition.

Why Tyre Maintenance is So Important

Your tyres play a massive role in how well your car performs and how safe it is to drive. They are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road surface. This makes them super important for traction (gripping the road), braking ability, and handling (steering control). If your tyres are worn out or haven’t been taken care of, you could end up facing issues like:

  • Getting worse gas mileage (your car won’t go as far on a tank of gas)
  • Having to brake earlier to stop in time (longer stopping distances)
  • Higher risk of hydroplaning (when the tyres can’t grip the road in wet conditions and you lose traction)
  • Reduced handling and stability (your car won’t steer/turn as well)
  • More chance of a tyre blowout or complete failure

Keeping up with basic tyre maintenance and riding on Bridgestone tyres in Liverpool can help you avoid problems like these and make for a much safer, smoother ride.

Tread Depth Matters

One of the biggest things to watch for with tyre maintenance is the tread depth. The grooves in your tyre treads are specially designed to channel water away from the part of the tyre touching the road. This improves grip and reduces the risk of hydroplaning (losing traction on wet surfaces).

The minimum tread depth required by law in the UK is 1.6 mm throughout the middle three-quarters of the tyre. However, once the tread depth drops to 3mm or below, mechanics advise replacing your tyres. This is for maximum efficiency and security.

You may quickly measure your tread depth with a specific gauge or by performing the straightforward 20p test. Simply insert a twenty-pence coin into the tread’s primary grooves. Your treads are too low, and new tyres are needed, if you can see the outer band of the coin.

Tyre Pressure

Keeping your tyres at the right pressure is another really important part of tyre care. If they are over-inflated (too much air), it can cause uneven wear across the tyre, less traction, and make for a bumpier ride. If they are under-inflated (not enough air), your tyres will drink more gas, wear out faster, and be more likely to fail.

Check your tyre pressure regularly by using a gauge, including checking the spare tyre too. Then adjust the pressure to match the levels recommended by the vehicle manufacturer in your owner’s manual or shown on the driver’s door frame sticker.

Rotate and Align

Rotating your tyres on a set schedule helps spread the wear evenly across the whole set, which can help extend their lifespan. Most mechanics suggest rotating your tyres every 6,000-8,000 miles driven or following the schedule in your manufacturer’s recommendations.

Having your wheels properly aligned is key too. If the wheels are misaligned, it can cause uneven tyre wear and potentially lead to other troubles like vibrations from the car or the car pulling to one side when driving straight.

Inspect for Damage

Look at your tyres often with your eyes. Check for any signs that they are damaged. Cuts, bumps, or things stuck in the tread (grooved part) or sidewall (side part) can harm the tyre’s structure. This makes it more likely the tyre could pop unexpectedly.

Also, look for any uneven worn-down areas on the tread. This could mean there is a problem with the wheels being straight, the tyres, or the suspension system that helps the tyres bounce.

If you see any damage or uneven worn areas, have a mechanic who knows about cars take a look right away.

Tyre Age

Even tyres that seem to be in really good condition have a limited lifespan because the rubber compound naturally ages over time. Most tyre manufacturers recommend replacing tyres after 6 years, regardless of how much tread depth is remaining.

To check a tyre’s age, look for the Tyre Identification Number on the sidewall. The last four digits tell you the week and year that particular tyre was manufactured.

Choosing the Right Set 

Selecting the proper type and size of tyres for your car is crucial when it’s time for a new set. Make sure the tyres you purchase are appropriate for the conditions and demands of your driving style by consulting your owner’s handbook or consulting a tyre specialist.

Think about things like the speed rating (the highest safe speed) and load rating (the amount of weight the tyre can support) when determining whether or not you need seasonal tyres. For improved grip on ice and snow, you might wish to invest in a set of winter tyres if you reside somewhere with severe, snowy winters.

Regular Maintenance Pays Off

By keeping up with these simple tyre maintenance tips, you’ll be way safer out on the roads, get a much longer lifespan from your tyres, and save money in the long run too. Neglecting tyre care can lead to seriously dangerous situations, so make it a priority to inspect and maintain them regularly.

If you’re ever unsure about anything tire-related or worried about their condition, don’t hesitate to get a professional tyre technician to take a look. A trained expert can properly assess your tyres, advise when you need replacements, and make any adjustments to keep you driving safely.