The tyres of a car are the only parts that touch the road surface. This fact alone makes them profoundly important. They need attention from time to time. Worn-out tyres cannot grip the road properly. Drivers also experience problems while braking. Even fuel usage can be affected. The worst situation is that you might fail an MOT or pay a penalty. These are just a few reasons why you should take your vehicle to a car garage in Bridgend.
How to Know Your Tyres Need to Be Changed
Below-the-Limit Tread Depth
As per UK rules, car tyres should have a 1.6mm tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre, all the way around. If yours is below that, the tyres are illegal. Low tread reduces grip, particularly in rainy or snowy weather. The car will take longer to slow down when you apply the brakes. The risks of skidding also increase. You should check tread depth with a gauge or the built-in wear bars between the grooves.
Uneven Wearing Across All Tyres
Tyres should wear evenly across the surface. Even if just one edge looks worse than the other, or the centre is wearing faster, you should know there is a problem. Uneven wear happens from wheel misalignment. The cause can be fixed, of course, but the tyre might need to be replaced.
Visible Damage to the Tyres
Check the sidewalls when you inspect your vehicle’s tyres. Cracks in the rubber, bulges or splits are clear signs of significant damage. Cracks are common in old, weather-beaten tyres. Bulges point to internal damage caused by hitting kerbs or potholes. These weak spots can result in sudden failure. If you spot these damages, get your vehicle inspected at a car garage in Bridgend.
Vibrations Experienced While Driving
When you drive on rough roads, the steering wheel might vibrate a bit. While it is perfectly normal, constant vibration on smooth roads is not. Tyres with significant internal damage or uneven wear can make the vehicle shake at certain speeds. It not only makes long journeys tiresome, but also reduces your control over the automobile.
Tyres Getting Old
Just because they look fine does not mean the tyres are still “young.” Over time, rubber hardens and loses grip. Most tyres need to be replaced every five to six years, regardless of tread depth. To check the age, look for the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits represent the week and year the tyre was manufactured.
Some Useful Advice Before You Go
Drivers often wait until their car’s tyres lose efficiency. Most folks do not even realise how work tyres affect daily trips. Our experts at Red Dragon Retreading Ltd recommend getting your tyres checked at least once a month. It is especially important before you set out on a long trip. At a glance, our mechanics can tell you if something is wrong.
We are a family-run business established in 1936, specialising in tyres. Visit our car garage in Bridgend for all types of Red Dragon tyres for commercial and private vehicles.