With summer well and truly over, drivers are being warned not to overlook regular tyre checks and avoid being caught out by worn or deflated tyres as autumn and then winter rolls in.
Ahead of the coldest period of the year, deflated tyres pose a danger as they lose grip on the road surface in colder conditions.
There’s also a financial risk for fleets as tyres that are lower than the legal requirement of 1.6mm could result in a hefty £2,500 fine per tyre and three points on drivers licences.
While the law concerning minimum tread depth remains the same for EV tyres, drivers should take extra care when driving electric vehicles as their performance in colder conditions differs from that of petrol or diesel vehicles.
EVs tend to be heavier than internal combustion engine vehicles. This is because the battery’s central position means the vehicle has a lower centre of gravity, putting more strain on the tyres, so EV drivers need to pay extra attention to tyre pressure as under-inflated tyres can cause reduced efficiency.
So, ALD Automotive | LeasePlan UK has five essential tips for fleet drivers and private motorists to ensure that their journeys are smooth all year long:
Keep your tyres correctly inflated
Checking your tyre pressure and tread on a regular basis is important, and you should try setting a reminder on your phone and building in daily check to look for nicks, nails or wear in the tread.
To inflate your tyres, most fuel and service station forecourts have an air machine for checking and topping up your tyre pressure.
These simple checks can prevent you from being caught out with illegal tyres which could result in £2,500 fine per tyre and three points on your license.
Check your tyre tread
Always check the tread depth using a tread depth gauge and regularly look for bulges, wear or other signs of damage. You can also check the tread depth simply by using a 20p coin and check your owner’s manual to find out the recommended pressures for the tyres on your car.
Monitor wheel alignment
Keep a close eye on your wheel alignment. Alignment issues can cause problems with your tyres. If you feel the car pull in one direction or another, take it to a mechanic as soon as possible. Improper alignment can also reduce your range by as much as 10 per cent.
Check for damage and wear & tear
It’s important to make sure to do physical checks regularly for any signs of general wear and tear. Look out for cuts, bulges, or anything else that may have caused a puncture. If you notice any damage to your tyres, get a mechanic to check it out. They may need to make urgent repairs or may need to be replaced altogether.
Maintain good driving habits
While taking care of your tyres is essential, it’s just as important to practice good driving habits to maintain the condition of your tyres.
Excessive harsh braking and mounting curbs can have a detrimental impact on your tyres, causing them to wear more quickly. So, make sure you drive with caution. Avoid uneven road surfaces, and potholes, and drive slowly over speed-bumps.
