Under-inflation
Surveys
by tyre service engineers show that at least 25 per cent of all
tyres examined are under-inflated by more than 10 per cent. Neglect
of inflation pressures is one of the principle causes of rapid
shoulder wear, uneven tread wear and premature tyre failure and
it is an abuse which surveys show to be on the increase. (NB:
It should be stressed that over-inflation may also result in inferior
vehicle handling, excessive tyre wear and premature failure.)
Overloading
Loading cars, light vans and lightweight trailers above what they
are designed to carry is illegal. It is also likely to put excessive
strain on the tyres resulting in greater than normal deflection
and overheating which, in turn, leads to more rapid wear, greater
susceptibility to impact damage and the danger of premature failure.
(NB: The vehicle Handbook will give increased inflation pressures
for full load conditions.)
Speeding
Travelling for long distances on motorways at sustained high speeds
and generally exceeding statutory speed limits imposes strenuous
demands on tyres especially in terms of heat generation. Tyres
in good condition and correctly inflated are designed to withstand
the heat build-up at their maximum rated speeds. However, if inflation
pressures are significantly below those recommended then excessive
heat will be generated, and in consequence wear will be accelerated
and deflection will be greater with the risk of premature, and
sometimes catastrophic, failure.
Here
are some useful tips which will help to keep you safe
- The
legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm over 75% of the
tyre's width and around its entire outer circumference. Check
using the short 'tread bars' (each 1.6mm deep) which lie across
the tread at intervals in modern tyres
- It
is best to change your tyres before they reach the limit. A
tyre with less than 1.6mm tread requires twice the braking distance
of a new tyre
- Each
year, before the harsh winter weather settles in, take advantage
of a free tyre check from your local Kam Servicing branch
- When
inflating tyres, check the pressure readings used. Some air
gauges use bars, rather than pounds per square inch (psi), and
any confusion could lead to burst or over-inflated tyres.
- As
an added safety check, inspect your tyres' inner and outer walls
regularly for any cuts, bulges, or abrasions
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