Tyre pressure
Under inflated tyres are dangerous, affecting braking and handling and increasing the risk of blowouts. Under inflated tyres are also costly, increasing fuel consumption by 4% and lasting half as long as correctly inflated tyres. Under or over inflated tyres may also increase tyre noise.
Safety experts recommend that you should check your tyre pressure every 2-4 weeks and before setting off on long journeys.
Tread depth
Tread depth is important because when a road is wet, the tread pattern helps to remove water from the road surface, enabling the tyre to grip, steer and accelerate properly. Worn tyres have reduced braking and handling capability on wet roads, putting you and other road users at risk. Worn tyres are also noisier.
UK law requires car tyres to have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference. Truck tyres must have a minimum of 1mm of tread. However, tyre safety experts recommend that for optimum safety performance, tyres should be replaced when tread depth falls below 3mm.
Wheel alignment
Wheel alignment can be affected by hitting a kerb or pothole, or if there is wear to the steering or suspension components of the vehicle. Incorrect wheel alignment can lead to rapid irregular tyre wear and affect safety performance. It can also increase the fuel consumption of your vehicles and make them noisier.
For more information and advice on tyre maintenance visit www.tyresafe.org
Other things to consider
Ecodriving
Driving habits can affect road safety, fuel efficiency and the environmental performance of our vehicles. Ecodriving is a way of driving that reduces fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and accident rates. For more information visit www.ecodrive.org
Low carbon vehicles
Some cars emit considerably less CO2 and air pollutants than others. More information on buying cars with low CO2 emissions.
