Check your tyres ahead of the holidays

For those planning to travel long distances by car these holidays, tyre safety should be top priority. “Your tyres are the only point of contact that your vehicle has with the road and therefore need to be in good working condition at all times to ensure your safety,” said Super Tyres managing director, Dean Horn.

Checking your tyre’s pressure to make sure that they are properly inflated can make a significant difference in how long your tyres last. “Under or over-inflated tyres don’t wear evenly and won’t last as long. The front and rear axles, and right and left sides of your car wear down your tyres differently. Rotating your tyres regularly helps extend the life of your tyres and improve performance. We recommend that you rotate your tyres every 10,000km,” added Horn.

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To avoid any problems when driving to your holiday destination, practice these important tyre safety tips:

Inspect your tyres: It is essential to regularly inspect your tyres for wear and any damage to avoid sudden problems. Have a professional inspect your tyres every six months. Tyres should be of the same size, speed rating and load index.

Check the air pressure: Driving with incorrect tyre pressure can affect a vehicle’s handling and braking, particularly in wet conditions, and can seriously compromise your safety. Driving on severely under-inflated tyres can cause heat build-up and eventually, premature failure. Check your tyre pressure monthly and before every long trip.

Respect the load capacity: Do not exceed the load capacity relative to the tyre’s load index. Tyres loaded beyond their maximum loads can build up excessive heat that may result in sudden tyre destruction.

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Check your spare tyre: Always inspect your spare tyre ahead of any long trip. Ensure it is pumped to the correct air pressure and is in good condition. If you see any damage to a tyre or wheel, replace it with your spare tyre and have your tyre checked by a professional.

Depth of tread: The depth of tread on your tyres is very important for the safety of your vehicle. Tyres have tread wear indicators molded into the base of the main grooves. When the tread surface is worn to the same level as these indicators, the tyre is at the legal limit and should be replaced to ensure safe diving.

“If you are unsure about the tread on your tyres and feel they might be unsafe for driving long distances, get them checked by a tyre specialist well ahead of the mad December rush,” concludes Horn.