Do not use tyres with a tread depth of less than
1.6mm. Apart from being illegal, tyres with low levels of tread
will slide easily, suffer from extended braking distances and will
be more susceptible to rupturing. In wet conditions the vehicle
will aquaplane making braking and handling almost impossible.
Make sure your air pressures are correct. Low air pressure generates
heat which can result in the rubber and cord separating, which in
turn leads to the cord becoming cut and puncturing the tyre. Low
pressure also results in excessive wear on the edge of the tyre,
shortening the tyre's life and can cause your vehicle to pull to
one side. Excessive pressure, meanwhile, results in unpredictable
handling in addition to which, if the tyre suffers an impact, it's
easily ruptured and cut. If you brake hard, the tyre may skid, which
reduces tyre life as the centre of the tread becomes worn. Check
tyre inflation pressures at least twice a month. Always
check pressures when tyres are cool and maintain the pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer.
Don't drive with damaged tyres. If you drive with materials such
as stone in the tread groove, or with a nail stuck in the tyre,
the tyre can become punctured or ruptured. You should change the
tyre immediately on discovering any damage to avoid any further
damage to the carcass. See your vehicle owners manual for details
on the removal and replacement of wheels to your vehicle.
Treat abnormal tyre wear immediately. To ensure normal wear you
should check air pressures and alignment and rotate the tyres regularly.
In addition you should avoid bad driving habits such as sudden acceleration,
braking and cornering.
Check the spare tyre. Make sure you regularly check your spare
tyre for air pressure, damage and tread depth.
Never mount radial tyres on the same axle as non-radial tyres
or radial tyres on the front axle when non-radial tyres are mounted
on the rear axle. These conditions are likely to cause vehicle instability
resulting in a sudden loss of control.
Check regularly that wheel nuts are securely tightened.
Never overload your tyres. The maximum load and inflation pressure
of the tyres are moulded into the sidewall. Also, remember; the
tyre is capable of carrying the maximum load only if it is inflated
to its correct air pressure.
Do not use detergents or chemicals containing petroleum products
for cleaning or polishing your tyres.
Tyres are designed for specific types of road surface. Try
to avoid prolonged use of road tyres on off-road conditions.
Never fit used tyres unless you are sure of their past history.
Check your tyres age, even if they have not been used or have only
been used occasionally. Cracks in the tread or in the sidewall rubber,
sometimes accompanied by deformation of the carcass, are a sure
sign of aging. If you are unsure have your old tyres checked by
a tyre specialist so that you can be certain they are still suitable
for further use.
If you get a puncture, stop as soon as possible and change the
tyre. Besides the obvious safety considerations, continuing to drive
on an under-inflated tyre can cause structural deterioration. Punctured
tyres must always be removed from the wheel to check for secondary
damage. See your vehicle owners manual for details on the removal
and replacement of wheels to your vehicle.
If it is necessary and feasible to repair a tyre, it must be
carried out by a tyre specialist as soon as possible to avoid any
structural deterioration. All tyre repairs must be entrusted to
a tyre repair specialist.
