Tyre Information
When Should I Change My Tyres
You may receive a warning indicator light or you feel your grip in the wet deteriorates or you experience that dreaded tyre puncture. Here are a few pointers we hope you will find useful:
Regularly checked tyres last longer!
Tyre pressure checks should be carried out monthly and especially prior to any long journeys. You should also check your tyre tread depth and look for any signs of sidewall damage or irregular wear. The legal tyre tread depth is 1.6mm but most expert tyre technicians recommend the tyre is replaced at 3mm. If your tyre is worn to the legal limit the bars will be flush with the surface of the tread. Checking your tyres is easy and we advise you hold a 20 pence piece between your thumb and forefinger, then look for the lowest part of the tread and place the 20 pence coin into the tread grooves. If the 20 pence coin is exposed when inserted then your tread fine and is above the legal limit of 1.6mm.
If you get a puncture
I think it is safe to say that most drivers have had the displeasure of getting a puncture. Most modern day tyres are extremely sturdy and are able to cope with most things. Punctures though can still occur and not something any driver wants.
If your tyre shows signs of aging
Tyres have an expected life, the year of production is irrelevant as tyres age when they are not used. There are many key indicators that can affect the life of the tyre such as temperature, storage, use, speed, load pressure, maintenance conditions and of course your driving style.
If your tyre is damaged
If your tyre has come in to contact with any solid or heavy objects on the road this can cause serious damage. If there are signs of perforation, deformation or cuts then we highly recommend you visit us here at Phillips Tyres where our tyre technicians will advise you accordingly
If you identify abnormal wear
Signs of abnormal wear are often seen in the centre of the tyre or at the edges and may suggest a mechanical problem such as incorrect wheel alignment, or wheel balance, transmission or suspension. This could also occur if you are driving without the correct amount of tyre pressure which is a very common problem. Common causes of abnormal wear are usually shown on one shoulder, suspension misalignment or shown on both shoulders which indicates an under- inflated tyre or wear along the centre of the tyre which indicates over inflation.
If you are at all in doubt then call in to see us and we will inspect your tyre and provide you with an honest recommendation based on our findings.