Tyre Pressures - Your Car Tyres Checked

Car tyres are the most likely component on a car that car owners do not take enough care about especially safety checks, tyre pressures and inspections. Luckily the annual MOT takes good care of the inspection aspect and this alone has probably saved thousands of lives since the MOT came into being. Regular checks and maintenance help to make tyres last longer and importantly, keeps car owners on the right side of the law.

Original Car Tyres Fitted At Purchase

Car and tyre manufacturers work closely together to select the make, size and tread pattern that is most appropriate for a new car taking into account many factors including styling, handling and noise. When you come to renew your tyres you must stick to the same size and type of tyre although keeping to the same brand and tread pattern is not so important.  

Positioning Of New Tyres

Always refer to the car’s handbook as some car manufacturers offer specific advice on where to position a new set of tyres on a vehicle however, if no direction is given then the rear tyre position is the best location due to better car control in wet conditions.

Tyres with deep tread are less likely to puncture and it is more difficult to control a car with a damaged rear tyre.

The Legal Aspects Of Car Tyres

Tyres must be compatible with others on the car and generally in good physical condition.

Tyres must be correctly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure.

Tread depth must be above the legal minimum, which for passenger cars is 1.6mm throughout a continuous band in the centre 3/4 of the tread and around the entire circumference.

Spare tyres are now not compulsory but if you do carry one then it does not have to meet the legal requirements while it is stowed away in the boot, but it may however affect breakdown cover if you do not carry a serviceable spare.