The cost of living has not gone away. It continues to assert itself on people across the globe. Many people are feeling the pinch, now more than ever.
As prices for essentials like food and energy continue to remain high, families struggle.
Understandably, to try and save money, some people cut back. One thing it is important to not cut back on, is car maintenance. This is a dangerous thing to do, especially with your tyres.
"Tyres are the only point of contact between your car and the road". This is often quoted in these types of articles. Making it almost a cliche. But that makes it no less true. They are essential in keeping you safe.
Worn or damaged tyres can increase the likelihood of a car being involved in an accident. The consequences of driving with damaged or illegal tires in the UK can be severe. Poor tire maintenance is one of the most common reasons for car accidents in the UK.
Despite the risks, many motorists are choosing to delay the replacement of tyres. In many instances
due to the cost of living crisis.
Keeping Your Tyres Safe
There are many actions you can take to keep your tyres safe.
First, check your tyre pressure on a regular basis. The pressure in your tyres can fluctuate with usage and temperature. So it is important to check at least once a month.
You should also test your tyre's tread depth. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across 75% of the circumference of the tyre.
Once the depth begins to drop below 3mm, they are still safe to use, but you should begin to consider a replacement.
Finally, when doing your other tyre safety tests, look for any signs of damage. This can include things such as cuts, bulges or cracks. If you spot any damage to your tyres, have them checked by a garage immediately. If it is safe to do so.
Unsafe tyres can cause a number of problems. These include, but are not limited to:
- Reduced grip in wet conditions. Worn or damaged tyres have less surface area in contact with the road. This leads to less grip - making it difficult to control your car in wet conditions.
- Increased risk of aquaplaning. Aquaplaning is a very dangerous situation. It occurs when your tyres lose contact with the road and essentially 'surf' on a small wave of water. Aquaplaning can cause you to lose control of your car and skid off the road.
- Blowouts. A blowout is when a tyre loses pressure quickly and explodes. This is due to many factors. Such as worn or damaged tyres, driving over potholes, or overloading your car. Blowouts can be very dangerous.
As well as the risk of accidents -unsafe tyres also lead to other problems.
Reduced fuel efficiency. Worn or damaged tyres can make your car less fuel-efficient. Meaning you need to fill up with fuel more often. A knock-on cost.
Increased noise levels. Tyres which are in poor condition can make your car louder.
Higher wear and tear. If your tyres are not in good condition they will wear out quicker. Leading to tyres requiring replacement more often and ahead of schedule.