The time when people could drive around with tyres completely lacking in tread are long past us, with strict legislation on minimum amounts of tread on a tyre. However, your vehicle’s performance could well be suffering and costing you money long before the tyres get to the stage of being illegal. Anyone who has ever watched a Formula 1 Grand Prix has seen the effect that worn tyres have on a vehicle’s lap times, and many a race has been won in the dying moments because someone on fresher tyres is just able to go so much faster. While very few of us drive vehicles on the road with remotely the power of such vehicles, the same principles in performance, handling and braking apply. While the legal limit for tread is 1.6mm, it is recommended to change once you get to 3mm, after which your braking performance begins to suffer.

Correct Choice of Tyre

The requirements when purchasing car tyres in Stoke on Trent where all weather or winter tyres might be appropriate, will be different from the South West, with a milder climate. Choosing the right tyre for your vehicle at a good price can be a challenge, with obviously the correct size being the number one criteria. The weight that the vehicle is likely to carry should be taken into consideration, as heavy loads require a better quality tyre.

Incorrectly Inflated Tyres

Every vehicle has a recommended correct tyre pressure, normally slightly different between back and front and it is very important to check your tyres regularly to make sure they are set correctly. Over inflated tyres can cause handling problems, and are more likely to skid than those at the right pressure and can cause excessive wear. Underinflated tyres can cause even more problems, not only making your engine work harder to achieve normal performance, but can also have a knock on effect and create problems with the car’s braking system and the transmission. If you are driving a second hand car, getting a full service next time you are buying tyres would be a good idea.

Correct Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment, also known commonly as tracking, relates to the adjustment of a vehicle’s suspension, which isn’t an adjustment of the wheels themselves, but changing the angle of the tyres in relation to how they make contact with the road. Properly aligned tyres improve handling, stop your car from drifting to one side, or causing vibration and help them last longer. It is worth noting that vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems such as traction control, anti-lock brakes and stability control can be affected by any mechanical adjustment and will require a reset before they will function correctly.

The right tyres, at the right pressure, properly aligned will make a significant difference to the way your vehicle handles and performs. From safety in cornering and braking, to the car’s fuel efficiency and wear and tear on the vehicle’s mechanics, the correct set up can not only mean the difference between stopping safely or being in an accident, it can also save you money, so check them regularly and you never need lose your grip.