FOR many people, their car is the safest and most trustworthy way to get around.
This makes it all more important to get your car fit for the road at all times.
Here is how to prepare your car for fun-filled and hassle-free driving.
Check the condition and tread depth of your tyres
A tyre check is vital, as your tyres are the only things keeping your car in touch with the road. They are responsible for braking, steering and accelerating as well as carrying the weight of the vehicle.Tyres also play an integral role in the overall suspension dynamics of the car.
The condition of the tyres has a direct impact on the performance of all the car’s safety systems, including the anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme, traction control and more modern features such as autonomous emergency braking.
Accordingly, tyres need to be in the optimal condition to deliver their full potential, whether it is stopping in the shortest possible distance in an emergency situation, or coping with rain-soaked roads during heavy downpours that are common during summer in some parts of the country.
The tyre’s tread depth is one of the most important factors that impact its overall performance in wet conditions. The grooves in the tyre are designed to channel water away from the road surface so that the rubber remains in contact with the tarmac.
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However, as the tyre wears the tread depth decreases, which means it is able to handle less and less water on the road surface resulting in reduced grip, longer stopping distances and a higher risk of aquaplaning.
The legal lower limit for tread depth is 1,6mm and this can easily be identified by the tread wear indicators that are found on most modern tyres.
Make a point of examining your car’s tyres frequently, looking out for any cuts, abrasions or bulges particularly on the sidewall.
Also check the tyres on your car for irregular tread wear, which is indicative of the car’s wheel alignment being out of specification. This will dramatically reduce the life of your tyre, as well as impact handling and braking performance.
Check the pressure regularly!
The most important aspect of tyre care and maintenance is checking your vehicle’s tyre pressures regularly ideally weekly. Low tyre pressures will significantly impact the vehicle’s handling characteristics and result in much longer braking distances. It will also lead to increased fuel consumption, premature wear, as well as additional heat built-up that could result in the tyre failing with often tragic results.
