Get your tyres checked before heading out on a long journey

Before departing on any long trip, motorists should make sure their tyres are ready for the operational demands ahead. Tyre manufacturer Continental warns that long journeys at high speeds, as well as underinflation, can put tyres under great strain. For this reason, motorists should carry out a quick check of their tyres.

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This includes adjusting the tyre pressure to the vehicle load, checking the tread depth, and looking for signs of damage, such as embedded nails or stones. Users should also meticulously inspect the tyres on a rental car before they drive it away.

Cars will usually be carrying a higher load on holiday journeys, and the correct tyre pressure for this scenario can be found in the owner’s manual, or on a label inside the fuel filler flap, on the door pillar, or in the glove compartment. Here, users will find figures for a laden and an unladen vehicle.

While adjusting the pressures, drivers should also check whether the tread is still deep enough. The minimum legal tread depth across the entire circumference is 1.6mm on tyres that incorporate a tread wear indicator (TWI), or a minimum of 1mm on tyres that are not equipped with the TWI. Tyres should be replaced at the very latest when the tread is approaching this threshold. Tests by Continental have proven how wet grip decreases dramatically and the risk of aquaplaning increases once the tread depth falls below 3mm.

Vehicle owners should also check if any of the tread blocks are damaged if there are cuts or bulges in the sidewall, or if nails or screws are embedded in the tyre. It is also essential not to forget the spare wheel when inflating the tyres. If your vehicle doesn’t come with a spare, check that the tyre inflation kit is fully operational.

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Many South Africans will tow a trailer or caravan to their holiday destinations, and the condition of these tyres needs to be examined too. As most caravans and trailers are left outdoors and used infrequently, the tyres are heavily exposed to the sun for long periods. Inspect the tyres for signs of damage and wear, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for pressures.

The experts at a tyre fitment centre, such as BestDrive, offer thorough safety checks for customers, giving you additional peace of mind. Aside from checking the condition of the tyres, the examination will also check the vehicle’s brakes, shock absorbers, and battery, ensuring your vehicle is safe for your holiday.

Motorists who heed these tips will then be able to set off on their journeys safe in the knowledge that their tyres and vehicle are ready for the trip ahead.

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