Tyre Issues

**Common Car Faults: Navigating Tyre Troubles**

Tyres are where your car meets the road, playing a vital role in safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Ensuring they’re in top shape is crucial for smooth rides and preventing unfortunate incidents.

**UK Statistics**:
According to TyreSafe, a UK-based charity dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of correct tyre maintenance, nearly 60% of all vehicle-related accidents were due to tyre issues. Surprisingly, a large percentage of UK drivers admit to never checking their tyre tread.

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**Symptoms of Tyre Issues**:
1. **Vehicle pulling to one side**: This can be due to uneven tyre wear or under-inflation, Or tracking / alignment issues.
2. **Vibration or thudding noise**: If felt in the steering wheel or the car’s floor, this might suggest a tyre balance issue or internal damage.
3. **Visible damage or punctures**: Regular checks can reveal nails, cuts, bulges, or other deformities.

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**Understanding the Causes**:
– **Misalignment**: If wheels are not aligned correctly, it can lead to uneven wear.
– **Under-inflation**: A tyre that isn’t inflated adequately can overheat and result in sudden blowouts.
– **External factors**: Sharp objects, potholes, or curbs can cause visible and internal tyre damage.

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**DIY Fixes and When to Consult a Professional**:
1. **Regular tyre inspections**: Check for any visible damages, punctures, or unusual wear patterns.
2. **Maintain correct tyre pressure**: Use a reliable tyre pressure gauge and inflate according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, usually found in the car’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door.
3. **Rotate your tires**: This ensures even tyre wear. The recommended rotation period varies, but every 6,000 to 8,000 miles is a general rule of thumb.
4. **Professional help**: If you notice persistent issues like continuous slow air leaks or excessive vibration, or if the tyre damage looks severe, it’s time for a visit to a tyre specialist.

**Fun Fact**: The rubber used to make tyres isn’t naturally black. Tyres are black because of carbon black, a stabilising chemical which significantly increases the lifespan of the tyre and protects it from UV damage.

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Think you might need a tyre check, new tyres or wheel alignment/tracking – get in touch with us and we will be happy to help. We stock lots of tyres and if they are not in stock we can get them in the same day! We will keep you moving – Contact one of our helpful sales advisors today for more information.

TOP TIP – Tyres come in different sizes, It’s always worth looking at the tyres on your car to make sure you have the correct size and speed rating. check the tyre wall and you will see some numbers like – 205/40/17 these numbers represent the following:
205 – the tyre width (footprint on the floor)
45 – aspect ratio of the tyre ( the % of width i.e 45% of 205)
17 – rim diameter (size of the wheel)

You may also see other markings on the tyre such as RF for run-flat tyres, these have additional reinforcement in the tyre wall and will enable you to drive a short distance if you get a puncture.

XL – means Extra Load tyres, usually found on heavier or larger cars.

23/22 – the week and the year the tyre was manufactured. Over time tyres can crack and perish the older the tyre the more likely you are to see age-related issues.

As always if you have any concerns with your tyres or need any help contact one of our sales advisors and we will be happy to help.