Tyre Safety - Correct Pressure & Tread Depth

When to check your tyres?
It’s possible for a passenger tyre initially inflated to 35 psi (pounds per square inch) to lose 1 psi each month.
Be sure to properly check all four tyres cold once a month and before a long trip.
Whether you have a full-size or mini spare, make sure that it is properly inflated as well.

What’s the correct inflation air pressure for your tyres?

You will find your tyre pressure recommendations in one of the following places:

• In the vehicle owners manual.
• On the vehicle’s door jamb. (Often, a vehicle information placard is located on the door jamb along with the recommended tyre inflation pressure.)
• Inside the fuel hatch filler flap. (In some vehicles.)
• The glove compartment door. (In some vehicles.)

WARNING! But NOT on the tyre. The inflation pressure shown on the tyre sidewall is only the maximum tyre inflation pressure. In most situations, the vehicle manufacturers recommended tyre inflation pressure is shown on the vehicle placard. However, on some older vehicles, the recommended pressure listed by your vehicle’s manufacturer may be shown as two numbers: One for city speed driving and normal load and one for highway speeds and/or maximum capacity vehicle load. Be sure to inflate your tyres to the recommended inflation pressure for each type of driving situation.

For most passenger cars, minivans and mini pickups, the recommendations range from 27 to 32 psi. For full size pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the recommended inflation pressures tend to be about 5 to 8 psi higher to reflect the larger tyre sizes and greater weight of these vehicles.

The manufacturer's recommendations are not necessarily the optimum inflation pressure for your tyres, but are generally the best for all-round driving. Adding a couple of extra pounds of pressure will decrease the rolling resistance of the tyres and make a slight improvement in fuel economy -- but it will also make the tyres harder which in turn may cause a somewhat rougher or harsher ride.

If you're carrying a lot of extra cargo, car pooling, hauling a lot of stuff in the back of a pickup or towing a trailer, a few extra pounds of pressure would be recommended to offset the added weight. Add the extra pounds to the rear tyres.

WARNING: Never exceed the maximum inflation pressure specified on the sidewall of the tyre. This number is the maximum pressure the tyre is designed to safely handle. Higher pressure increases the risk of tyre damage (when hitting a bump) or tyre failure.

Remember!!

Beware of public pressure gauges at gas stations. They are often abused and unreliable.

Check your tyres cold – before you’ve driven even one mile or at least three hours after the vehicle has been stopped.

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Tread Depth

The laws require that in order to be legal a tyre must comply with a number of legal requirements.

These requirements range from what the manufacturer must be responsible for - relevant sidewall markings etc - and what the motorist should be responsible for - correct fitment and condition of tyre, tread depths etc.

It is recommended that tyres are checked on a weekly basis for tread depth, tread condition, inflation pressure, tread/sidewall damage, any signs of irregular wear. If in doubt seek the advice of a trained tyre expert who will be able to determine the suitability of the tyre for further use.

The penalties for having illegal tyres are currently up to a £2500 fine and 3 penalty points PER TYRE!

The legal minimum tread depth for cars and light trailers (including caravans) up to 3500 kgs gross vehicle weight and/or 8 seated passenger vehicles including driver is:

A minimum of 1.6mm in a continuous band throughout the central three-quarters of the tread width, throughout the whole of the circumference.

Any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross train weight (GTW) over 3500kgs or a motorcycle above 50cc must, either:

1. The grooves of the tread pattern must have a depth of a least 1 mm throughout a continuous band measuring at least three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and round the entire outer circumference of the tyre, OR
2. if the grooves of the original tread pattern of the tyre do not extend beyond three-quarters of the breadth of the tread (i.e. common with motorcycle tyres) any groove of the original pattern must have a minimum depth of at least 1 mm.

Thanks to:

Etyres.co.uk

Yahoo.co.uk

Michelin.co.uk