For most of us, our cars, vans or motorbikes are things we cannot live without in our daily lives. We need them to travel to our workplaces, schools, and shops and to go and see our loved ones and friends. However, one part of a vehicle that is necessary for safe driving but is often ignored or not given much attention is the tyres.

Car Tyres in Stoke On Trent and cheap tyres are available at many garages and tyre fitting places all across the country. But we must understand why tyres are so vital and how to choose the correct ones.  

The Importance of Good Tyres

Tyres are the only part of a vehicle that touches the road surface. They carry the entire weight of the vehicle and provide the grip needed to steer, brake and accelerate. Worn-out or faulty tyres can lead to extremely dangerous driving situations.

Good and Cheap Tyres in Stoke On Trent with deep grooves and no problems like bulges or cracks allow proper grip on slippery roads when it is raining or there is snow and ice. They are crucial for maintaining control and avoiding skids or slides that could cause a serious accident.

Types of Tyres

There are a few main groups when it comes to tyres:

Summer Tyres - Designed for use in warmer temperatures and conditions with both dry and wet roads. They give good grip but may struggle and lose traction if it gets very cold outside. Summer tyres work best when the weather is mild to hot.

Winter Tyres - Made from a softer rubber compound that stays flexible even when the temperatures drop below freezing. The tread pattern has lots of grooves and cuts to provide the best possible grip on snowy or icy road surfaces.

All-Season Tyres - These tyres aim to be a compromise between summer and winter tyre designs. They try to give a decent performance in most weather conditions like rain, light snow, or dry roads without being optimised for any one specific situation. All-season tyres are a versatile one-tyre-fits-most solution.  

Checking Your Tyres

Tread Depth - There is a legal minimum requirement that the depth of the grooves in a tyre's tread pattern must be at least 1.6mm across the central 3/4 of the tread circumference. However, safety experts advise a tread depth of 3mm or more is better for maximising wet grip and traction.

Visual Inspection - It's important to visually check over your tyres and look for any cuts, bulges, cracks or objects embedded in the rubber. These types of defects can potentially lead to a very dangerous sudden air loss or tyre blowout while driving at speed on the road.

Pressure - Having too much or too little air pressure in your tyres can be unsafe and negatively impact how the vehicle handles, as well as increasing braking distances and decreasing fuel efficiency. Always refer to your owner's manual and use an accurate pressure gauge when checking. 

When to Replace Tyres

Even if the tread depth hasn't quite reached the legal minimum requirement yet, you should still consider replacing tyres if the tread is getting low and worn down. Tyres also need to be replaced if they are more than just a few years old because over time the rubber compound gets harder and loses its flexibility and grip. Allowing tyres to get too old and hard can be very unsafe.

Part-worn or cheap used tyres may seem appealing because they cost less money, but they can be a dangerous and unsafe choice. This is especially true if the previous owners did not properly maintain the tyres by checking inflation levels, rotating them regularly, and replacing them when needed. Used tyres require careful inspection.

Correct Tyre Sizing

You must get tyres that are the precise correct size that is recommended for your specific vehicle make and model. Check the owner's manual or tyre information placard usually located on the driver's side door frame area. Having tyres that are even slightly too big or too small can negatively impact the handling and control you have while driving. Improper tyre sizing creates safety risks.

The Benefits of New Tyres

Improved Safety - Investing in a fresh, new set of tyres with deep tread depths provides the best possible grip and traction for safe driving in any weather conditions you may encounter. New tyres allow you to brake as effectively and maintain control as well as possible.

Longer Lifespan - Higher quality, brand-name tyres from reputable manufacturers are engineered and constructed to have a longer usable lifespan when properly maintained. Regularly rotating the tyres helps ensure an even wear pattern for maximum longevity.  

Better Fuel Efficiency - When inflated to the recommended pressures, new tyres with low rolling resistance designs can noticeably improve your vehicle's fuel economy and miles per gallon. The reduced friction helps increase efficiency.

Smoother Ride - A new set of tyres with fresh, undamaged tread patterns and well-constructed sidewalls provides a smoother, more comfortable ride quality compared to worn-out or defective tyres. The drive will feel more refined and controlled.

Summary

The tyres are the only parts of a vehicle that make contact with the road, so they are amongst the most vital safety components. Taking the time to regularly inspect your tyres and promptly replacing any that are excessively worn out, damaged or old keeps you much safer when driving on roads and highways. You can also save money over time by having better fuel economy with proper tyres. Always be sure to select tyres that are the precise correct size and quality for your specific driving needs and vehicle.