Make Sure Your Tyres Summer Trip Ready with These Tips
It’s been a bit of an eventful few weeks for Ash and I and while on the whole, I’ll talk about it more in the coming weeks, lets just start with my car, as one thing we thankfully still managed to do was get down to Basingstoke and see his parents over Mother’s Day weekend. I should probably mention I’m just “OK” when it comes to car maintenance, so I pleased when I notice my Dad checking over my front tyres.
You see I knew they would need changing at some point soon so having a second opinion on when the line has been crossed between legal and illegal is good. It didn’t help that a previous car problem had meant on the inner edge on each tyre had run down, the rest was all in a good condition.
If like me you aren’t so hot on keeping track of your tyre condition here are some tips to make sure you are looking after them as well as possible.
Tyre Rotation
If you are able to change your own tyres then tyre rotation may be an option. This involves moving the tyres from one position to another on the car to help to even wear. Hopefully allowing your tyres to have a longer life.
Check for Wear
One thing you should do routinely is check for wear and tear on your tyres. This, of course, means measuring the depth of the tread as well as looking for any visible signs of damage. Here’s the UK the legal limit is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters across the width and around the entire circumference. Remember earlier I said about not being sure about my tyres? Well, that’s because it was only worn on the inner side of the two front tyres, meaning it probably was still legal, but we all thought it was better to have them changed.
Wheel Alignment
One other thing I had done before we headed away was have the wheel alignment (or tracking) of my tyres sorted. The fact this was off could have added to the additional wear of the inner part of the tyres. However, perhaps more importantly than they if your wheels aren’t aligned properly it can affect the handling of your car and impact on fuel consumption.
Tyre Pressure
Did you know you should check your tyre pressure once and month? While I try and make sure I am on top of checking my tyre pressure from month to month, I also always check it before heading off on a longer trip. After taking my car into the garage with a tyre pressure of 13.5 I now make sure to get the professionals to top up the air, rather than relying on a gauge at a petrol station. If you are unsure of the tyre pressures for your car, they should be listed in the manual.
Always remember as well that if you notice something off with your tyres it is worth getting the professionals to check them over and places like Tyre Plus can help you with tyre fitting no matter where you are, including having you chosen tyres fitted at home.
So there are some tips from me on looking after your tyres, are there any precautions you take that I have missed?
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Great blog! Must remember to check my tyres on a more regular basis as it’s so important for road safety.
Great tips there. Good to have a set of winter tyres and summer you can swap out as the weather changes.
GR
Great tips, I passed my test last month and had to have my two front tyres changed two weeks ago, my fiance usually sorts the car but he was in hospital and I didn’t want to lose my license after a week of having it, so I took them to be changed, I have to check the back tyre pressure tomorrow when I fill up at the garage tomorrow, swapping them over is a great idea for longer wear xxx
Very helpful, thank you. Tyre rotation is a really good idea.
I can’t believe how difficult it’s been to find an air pump in my area lately. We’ve been to every petrol station in our area and they’re all broken! We ended up having to buy a pump in Halfords!
These are all great tips, Sarah. I’m pinning your post to come back to when for when I finally take my driving test 🙂
Louise x
EEkk good luck with taking your driving test! You can do it!!
We have a few big road trips coming up with year and we will be getting a full service first. It’s so important.
Such great tips! Really important, especially for upcoming road trips.
Most definitely, hopefully, they will help some people.
I am going to Tuscany in April and will rent a car. I will make sure i check everything before driving. Also they are tips I need to know about at all time!
I always make sure our car gets serviced before long trips! Sometimes you don’t even realise there’s any problems until it goes into the garage
That is such a good way to deal with it I think 🙂
These are some awesome tips. Car trouble on a road trip is not a favorite thing of mine. I hope this helped a lot of people. Thanks so much for sharing!
It is the last thing you want when you are out on a journey isn’t it.
I must check my tyres more often. I usually leave it up to my dad when hes home! xxx
Haha I have to admit my Dad always double checks mine, I’ve caught him more than once when I’ve popped over.
It’s almost time for a change winter tyres but got postponed because of the snow. It keeps coming and hopefully for not too long. Thanks for the helpful tips.
It is crazy how long winter seems to have just kept on going this year!
These are all great tips! I need to make sure my tires are prepared.
I hope this has helped you with some things to check then 🙂
Thanks for the tips with tyres. Don’t have a car now but when i do these will be helpful
I hope they help you out in the future when you get a car 🙂
Isn’t it crazy that apart from driving it and operating the wipers and radio I know nothing about my car and often pull out the manual for everything. I too rely on my dad to check my car for everything. Thanks for this post
I have to admit I often look in the manual for different bits as well.
We do some research for purchasing the tires for our cars. We recently bought our tires from Costco, who includes free tire rotation every so many miles. Not only does it keep our tires in great shape, but they provide the service for free since we bought them through them. 🙂
Oh wow what an awesome thing for Costco to include when you buy tyres from them!
We love traveling. We spent atleast twice a week traveling and we always make sure that our car is always on a good condition.
Oh wow how fun is that! Good to hear you always check first.
We just got a new car so thank goodness we hopefully won’t have any tyre issues for a while. Prior to this it’s one thing I always forgot about doing and it’s the one thing you should check often before journeys. Great tips Sarah x
Eekk fingers crossed, nothing like getting a new car hey!
Great post! We have had way too many summer holidays sat on the hard shoulder with a blown tyre. It happened 3 consecutive years running!
Oh no what a nightmare for you! I hope you didn’t have to wait too long for help.
Even though I don’t drive, I know the importance of have a spare and functional tyres. Better to be ready than be sorry in case of emergencies.
Most definitely you never know what conditions you may run into.
These are some great tips we need to consider before we go on trip. It is really important to check our vehicles and have a car maintenance.
Having a mechanic in the house, I know my Tires are in tip top shape! He always makes sure to check them out for me because he knows I always drive with the kids.
Oh now that really is like having the best of it all haha!
I hope that everything is ok with you and Ash health wise? But I am glad that your dad was able to check your tyres to make sure that your tyres were in tip top shape!
We are getting there as they say haha!
Hey you came to our home town! Glad you made it safely as the snow has been a nightmare! We’ve just been making sure our tyres were winter ready and now will will look towards summer. Maintenance is key! Great tips x
We come down quite often as it’s Ash’s hometown as well, so it’s nice to get him back there from time to time.
It has its own micro climate at the moment!
I currently have to get new tires and brakes. I’m not looking forward to this at all, but tire maintenance is a must.
It’s hard isn’t it – but worth it to know you are safe on the road.
I have never seen anyone spell tire like tyre! How am I just now learning this?!
Haha it’s the UK English spelling 🙂
I just got my driving license but I do know how important it is to have the right tires for the season. I remember how all the cars were sliding in front of my building a couple of weeks ago, as none of them had winter tires for the snow.
It is scary when you see that isn’t it! Good luck with just having your license.
We are so ready to change tires already but we are still covered in snow. Thanks for the tips! This surely helps.
We had snow at the weekend again, I can’t believe it just keeps on coming!
Having our tires checked by pros is one of the things that we do before we leave for a road trip. It is a must and very important.
It is such a good idea to have it checked by pros from time to time for sure.
I don’t drive and know nothing about cars, I think my first thing I would do is check the wheels were still on my car haha! 🙂
Haha well worthing making sure they are still there 😉
My husband just got some new Mickey Thompsons and he loves them so I want to make sure we are taking good care of them. Thanks for the tips!
Oh wow nice! Definitely, need to make sure you keep them in good condition!
some good tips
Yes I do agree that checking the tyres is really important because road safety is not to be taken for granted. These are really nice tips.
Most definitely cars are dangerous, especially when not maintained.
Vital to never skim or leave til a later date – saves lives
Most definitely, you never know when having the best grip possible will come in handy.
Having good tyres is so important especially at the moment when the weather is so cold and wet x
It really is, it’s so changeable at the moment so you want to be ready.
Never thought of rotating my tyres, that is a good idea. I have recently had mine done so shouldn’t need to for a while
I have to admit it isn’t something I’ve done, but really should, especially as my tyres seem to go on one side.
I have to keep this in mind and share it with my sis. I don’t have yet a car…it’s on a want list.
I hope one day you manage to get the car of your dreams.
I keep my car pretty well maintained, but especially before a road trip! I always make sure to get my tires rotated with every oil change and that will help extend the life of the tires.
It really is a must to go over your car before you head away isn’t it.
I spent Friday afternoon dealing with car maintence. The truck needed an oil change. I had them rotate the tires while they were at it and check the brakes. They said my brakes need to ve swapped out as soon as I can. Car maintence is such a huge commitment and money drain but it has to be done.
It really is and it is something that you need to keep money back for just in case I think.
I’m the worse when it comes to tires. I ride them dirty apparently.
Oh no not good! Hopefully one day I’ll get on top of the properly.
I’ve never seen them spelt that way (tyres vs. tires). I wonder why that is? Anyway, great information! I tend to let my hubby worry about it but I would also love to know.
I’m in the UK so they are tyres here 🙂 another of our spelling differences. Tire is grow weary (which I think it is for you as well?)
Thank you I had getting my tires checked on the TO DO list especially after winter season here! It’s smart to do to be sure my family is safe. This reminded me to get on that!
Most definitely you can never be too careful when it comes to your family.
Exactly! They are precious cargo and these tires have our lives riding on them!
We do love a good road trip, so it is important to plan all the car stuff before hand! We road trip winter and summer long!
It really is you want to make sure you are safe and secure.
Yes, I couldn’t agree more on the whole tire rotation suggestion. Road trips can be stressful if you don’t plan ahead.
It is such a great idea and definitely something that should be done more often.
One of the things that you need to check before you go on a road trip is your tires. I think these are important tips that people should take note of.
It really is such an important thing for everyone to think of, I’m glad I have people to remind me as well haha!
I drive for a living so my tires are the most important tool for my trade. Most people remember to change their tires for the snow, but don’t remember to check them out of the summer. This is a good reminder for everyone
My Dad’s always driven a lot (in fact he retired then decided he didn’t want to be retired so does driving self-employed delivering cars) so he’s quite good at helping me thankfully.
I really need to learn more when it comes to cars, especially cause I love doing solo road trips and I know I should be able to figure something out incase somethng happens.
Good luck! Definitely worth learning as much as you can 🙂
I am so blase when it comes to all things car, lots of really important pointers to keep people safe! Will be looking my cars tyres first thing! 🙂
I hope it turned out they were in good shape!
Yeah we definitely need to do this before we hit the road next. I think my dodge journey is up next for rotation.
I hope you have an awesome road trip where ever you maybe headed 🙂
These are not only great tips but essential tips as well as many will be heading on long car journeys as the weather starts getting warmer. This reminds me too that I need to get my tyre checked.
We’re about to go on a road trip so this is perfect timing to read. Thank you, I’m going to send it to my husband so he can check them.
I hope you have an amazing time on your road trip where are you off to?
I need to keep this in mind! I did get a flat when I was out once. I sort of know how to change it, but luckily my husband was nearby and could help. I need to get them rotated! It’s been ages since I’ve done that!
I have to admit I would stuck if I had a flat, mostly due to my pain lol.
Tires are super important, and i’ll admit I often ignore them. I need to be better about my car maintenance.
It is something I think so many of us can be lax on isn’t it.
My husband is most definitely the car guy. With him around I know that everything is safe. Whenever we go on a trip the first thing he looks at is the tires to make sure they are good.
It is always good to have someone around who is a car person!
I still have my snow tires on and they will stay there until I am sure there’s no more snow – so after Easter we might switch them out. I will take a look at this then and the tips are a great reminder. Thanks.
It has been crazy hasn’t it! I can’t believe there is snow this time of year.
Great post so important to get tyres checked regularly. Very important tips, I don’t drive so don’t know much about cars but remember my mum getting her tyres checked frequently.
It really is – hopefully, if you ever drive the memory will help you remember.
These are all incredibly important tips to remember for tire safety. My husband gives our tires a good once over every season to be sure we’re ready for the upcoming season.
That’s a good idea, I might have to try and do it as well as the seasons change.
I try to bring my car in to the shop as often as possible. I don’t know the first hing about tire care, so maybe I need to do some research?
I have to admit I’m lucky as the garage I use are really good.
Summer seems so far away looking at the snow right now. We were unfortunate enough to have a car plough into us a couple of weeks back and are in a hire car, but when we do finally get our car back we will be taking your tips on board as we have a few long trips planned in addition to using the car every single day.
It is crazy that the snow has been back again, I thought we had seen the last of it but no luck!
I recently had to get one of my tyres replaced, I’m so glad I did it before the snow!
The same here, I would have hated to have driven with them not being in top condition.