Must Do Tyre Checks Before and After a Road Trip
Tyre related accidents and issues on the road can be avoided by conducting the right tyre safety checks before short and long distance travel. Unforeseen tyre problems, such as tyre blowouts, can be costly, especially if you do not have a spare tyre. It is important to expect the unexpected.
Australian tyre recycler and founder of Branigans Tyres, Chris Lett, provides insight in conducting much-needed tyre inspections.
Check for early signs of uneven tyre wear
A visual inspection of the tyre is an important part of road safety tyre checks. Motorists are advised to inspect the wear of the tyre. “Uneven tyre wear may need to be rotated or replaced,” says Lett, “this includes cut and bulges on the tyre”. This awareness will prompt motorists to consider contributing factors of tyre wear, such as incorrect air pressure of the tyres and inaccurate wheel alignment. “Inspection of the tyres means better maintenance of the tyres,” says Lett.
Do the penny test before and after a long trip
In Australia, the minimum legal tread depth is 1.5mm. The depth of the tread affects the grip of the tyre. Worn off tread influences the drivers control of the vehicle, especially in wet conditions as “there is not sufficient traction of the tyre to contain the down force of the vehicle,” says Lett. This would make aquaplaning more susceptible. To measure the tread wear of the tyre, a small coin, such as a 10-cent piece, can be used. A vehicle owner can check the tyre tread depth by placing the coin in the grooves of the tyre. If the tyre reaches the coin with some degree, the condition of the tyre tread is still well above its limits.
Rotate tyres to ensure a comfortable journey
The rotation of tyres helps to ensure even tyre wear. Rotating tyres is also cost-effective as it reduces overall tyre replacement expenses. Rotated tyres have proved to have a longer lifespan due to the even wear of the tyre. The tyres should be considered for rotation after every 10,000kms. “If a vehicle is due to a tyre rotation, it should always be considered before a road trip,” says Lett.
“Tyre checks are just as important as having fuel in one’s vehicle,” says Lett. Drivers have the responsibility to ensure that the tyres are in good condition. “Tyres are what keeps motorists safe on the road, and properly maintained and inflated tyres saves fuel as well,” says Lett.
“By practicing proper tyre maintenance habits, the risk of accidents caused by tyre failure is reduced allowing the driver to enjoy a stress-free trip,” says Lett.
Family owned and operated, Branigans Tyres specialise in and are passionate about all things tyres and tyre maintenance which includes the sale and fitment of passenger tyres, SUV and 4×4 tyres and light truck tyres. Additionally, these tyre experts are able to do a thorough inspection of any vehicle’s braking system.
Branigans Tyres has well-established workshops in Burleigh Heads and Southport in the Gold Coast region. Check out their full range of services or current featured promotions. Branigans award-winning affordable tyre subscriptions package start at $7.97 and help motorists budget for their ongoing tyre needs.
Vehicle owners are encouraged to drive in at their convenience as no pre-bookings or appointments are required. The branches are Burleigh Heads: (07) 5535 2660 situated at 13 Flagstone Drive or Southport: (07) 5591 8633 situated at 1/277 Southport-Nerang Rd.
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