Drive to work and school … safely

“As parents and commuters take to the roads for their trip to school and work, we all need to take stock of our tyres to be sure that they are in road-worthy condition,” says Riaz Haffejee, CEO of Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Sumitomo Dunlop).

Keep these tyre safety tips in mind:

Maintain pressure – check your tyre pressure every time you fill your fuel tank. Follow the owner’s manual or check inside the fuel cap lid for the correct pressure. This will reduce your fuel consumption, ensure even tyre wear, and increase the lifespan of your tyres.

Rotate your tyres – check-in at a reputable tyre dealer to have your tyres rotated at least once per year or every 10 000km. This will keep them wearing evenly, make them last longer and give you the best use out of your tyres.

Check your tread – park your vehicle and turn your steering to the far right so that you get a full view of your tread. The treadwear indicator (the little square in the groove of your tyre tread) is set at 1.6mm. Tread worn to below 3mm will increase the distance you need to stop safely, increasing your risk of accidents. Tread below the 1.6mm means that the tyre is illegal, and it is time to change it. A tyre that is badly worn, has damaged rubber coverings, exposed fabric or cords, cuts, lumps, or bulges is considered a second-hand waste tyre and therefore also illegal. Check this once a month to be sure that you are safe on the roads and within the legal limits.

Buying second-hand tyres may seem like a cost-saving option, but do you know where those tyres have been and what they have been through?  Buying new and choosing a reputable brand will save you money – your tyres will last longer and will wear better, keeping you and your loved ones safe.