Ring Automotive

HOW TO CHECK YOUR CAR TYRES

AIR PRESSURE

AIR PRESSURE

AIR PRESSUREWhat It Is

Tyre inflation pressure depends on the amount of air that has been pumped into your tyre. It is measured in pounds per square inch (psi), bar or kPa.

Your vehicle manufacturer recommends the suitable pressure for your tyres.

AIR PRESSUREWhy It Is Important?

Correct tyre inflation pressure improves vehicle handling and braking distance. It reduces the risk of tyre damage and possibility of catastrophic failure while driving.

Correctly inflated tyres also last longer and use less fuel.

AIR PRESSUREHow To Check

Use an accurate pressure gauge such as Ring's RTG6.
Check all your tyre pressures when the tyres are cold against the manufacturer's recommended settings for the load being carried. These can be found in the vehicle handbook or at tyresafe.org.

AIR PRESSURE  ^




CONDITION

CONDITION

CONDITIONWhat It Is

A general visual inspection for any bulges, cuts, objects in the tread or age related deterioration.

Don't forget to inspect the inner edge as wear can be concentrated in certain areas, especially if your tracking is even slightly out.

CONDITIONWhy It Is Important

Objects caught in the tyre tread can cause significant damage if not removed.

Bulges may indicate the tyre has internal damage: cuts and cracks may mean the tyre is no longer safe to use. If present, all should be checked by a professional.

CONDITIONHow To Check

Remove any stones or objects from the tread. If you suspect you see a bulge, run your hand along the side of the tyre to check.

Remove any oil or grease with a suitable detergent.

CONDITION  ^




TREAD

TREAD

TREADWhat It Is

The tread is the part of the tyre that contacts the road and is designed to improve grip in the wet but its effectiveness gradually reduces as it wears. The UK's minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm within the central three-quarters of the breadth of tread and around the entire outer circumference.

TREADWhy It Is Important

Without adequate tread depth your tyres may not perform properly in wet conditions, reducing your safety on the road. Your braking, steering and accelerating are all affected by your tyre tread. If your tread depth is below 1.6mm you can be fined up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre.

TREADHow To Check

Check the depth of the main tread grooves in several places across and around the tyre using a tread depth gauge. If you dont have a gauge, use a 20p coin as a guide. If the outer rim of the coin is visible when it is inserted into the groove, then your tread depth may be below the legal limit.

TREAD  ^




TPMS

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

Tyre Pressure Monitoring SystemWhat It Is

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is mandatory on all new cars. It alerts drivers to significant changes in tyre pressure.

However, TPMS is not a substitute for regular manual tyre pressure checks, nor does it warn about tyre condition or tread depth.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring SystemWhy It Is Important

TPMS will alert drivers to a significant loss in pressure but you need to know it is working - the system can fail and batteries in wheel-mounted sensors can run out. Vehicles first used on or after 01/01/2012 and equipped with TPMS fitted by the vehicle manufacturer must have a functioning system to pass the MOT.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring SystemHow To Check

When you turn on your ignition key, the TPMS symbol should light on your dashboard with all the other warning lights. It should go out after the engine starts.

Any alerts should not be ignored.

TPMS  ^




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