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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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.