Tread safely this festive season

AS the year-end holidays approach, many of us are counting down the days for a much-needed trip away with family or friends. For those planning to travel long distances by car these holidays, tyre safety should be a top priority.

Also read: Top safety tips for long driving trips

To avoid any problems when driving to your holiday destination, here are some important tyre safety tips:

• Inspect your tyres for damage: It is essential to regularly inspect your tyres for wear and any damage to avoid sudden problems. Check for cuts, cracks, splits, punctures and any other signs of damage or wear and tear. Keep in mind that while minor damage may not cause an immediate risk, the damage can worsen, especially when travelling long distances, and may result in severe safety consequences. Don’t forget to inspect your spare tyre, too.
• Check tyre pressure: Driving with incorrect tyre pressure can affect a vehicle’s handling and braking, particularly in wet conditions, which can create a serious safety risk. Driving on under-inflated tyres can cause heat build-up and premature failure. Under-inflated tyres are also less fuel efficient and wear out faster. Check tyre pressure when your tyres are cold (usually three hours after you have parked). The optimum air pressure level for tyres can be found on the inner side of the car door, inside the fuel cap or in the car manual.
• Check tread depth: Your tyre tread plays a crucial role in your car’s handling, helping you control your vehicle more easily in a variety of conditions and enabling you to stop as quickly as possible. Worn tyres can present a significant safety issue. In terms of the law, the tread on tyres must be at least 1mm deep across the tyre’s entire width over the full circumference of the tyre – this is the legal limit, but 1.6mm is safer.
• Respect the load capacity: Always ensure that all four tyres are the same size as specified by the vehicle manufacturer, as well as the same speed rating and load index (including your spare tyre). Do not exceed the load capacity relative to the tyre’s load index. Tyres loaded beyond their maximum loads can build up excessive heat which may result in sudden tyre damage with severe safety repercussions.
• Get your wheel alignment inspected: Inaccurate wheel alignment causes faster, uneven wearing on tyres, noises, vibrations and skidding while driving, causing potential safety risks. We recommend that you rotate and balance your tyres and have wheel alignment done every 10 000km or before any long trip.

If you are unsure about the condition and safety of your vehicle’s tyres, get them checked by a tyre specialist for peace of mind before heading off to enjoy your holiday.

SOURCE: Super Tyres

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