Summer holiday tyre checks

The summer holidays have begun for many South Africans, providing an opportunity to relax and enjoy some free time after a busy year.

But your car’s tyres will likely be working really hard these holidays.

Before any long trip, you should make sure your vehicle’s 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.

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Carry out a quick check of your tyres before a long trip, and meticulously inspect the tyres on a rental car before driving it.

Tyre pressure
Cars will usually be carrying a higher load on holiday journeys.

The correct tyre pressure for both laden and unladen vehicles can be found in the owner’s manual, on a label inside the fuel filler flap, on the door pillar, or in the glove compartment.

Tread depth
While adjusting tyre pressures, you should also check whether the tread is 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 without a TWI.

Tyres should be replaced when the tread is approaching this threshold, but tests conducted by Continental have shown that once tread depth is below 3mm, wet grip decreases dramatically and the risk of aquaplaning increases.

Damage
You should also check if any of the tread blocks on your tyres are damaged, if there are cuts or bulges in the sidewall, or any embedded nails or screws.

Spares and towing
It is essential not to forget the spare wheel and the wheels of any trailers or caravans when checking your tyres – following the manufacturer’s recommendation for tyre pressure.

If your vehicle doesn’t come with a spare, check that the tyre inflation kit is fully operational.

If you are unsure of what you are looking for, or want extra peace of mind, have all your tyres checked by a professional who offers thorough safety checks.

They can also check the vehicle’s brakes, shock absorbers and battery, ensuring your vehicle is safe for your holiday.

Motorists who heed these tips will set off on their summer holidays safe in the knowledge that their tyres and vehicle are ready for the journey ahead.

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