Tyres
Tyres worn and need replacing? VRS has all the modern equipment to
ensure that the job is done to the highest standards.
We have been appointed Prestivo supplier for the area. Book
online now to receive our web discount on Prestivo Tyres!
Looking for prices?
Click here.
 How can I tell when my tyres need
changing?One sign that your tyres need changing is noticing a deterioration in
performance. For example, your car does not handle or grip the road as
well in poor weather conditions as it normally does, or it takes longer
to stop when you apply the brakes.
The fact that tyres wear gradually can make it difficult to identify
the reduction in performance, so it's best to have them checked
regularly and preferably by an expert. It is the driver's responsibility
to ensure that the tread on your tyres is not worn beyond the
legal
minimum limit of 1.6 millimetres. UK law requires that your vehicle is fitted with the correct type and
size of tyre for the vehicle type you are driving and for the purpose it
is being used. This means fitting the right tyres and for safety
ensuring that they are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended
pressure. The legal limit for minimum depth of the tread on your tyres
is 1.6 millimetres, across the central ¾ of the tread around the
complete circumference of the tyre. For safety reasons it is recommended
that you replace your tyres before the legal limit is reached. Many
vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing at 3 millimetres.
To make this easier to identify, tyre manufacturers mould tread wear
indicators (T.W.I) into the design of the tyres tread pattern usually at
a tread level of 1.6mm. As soon as the tread is worn to the height of
the tread wear indicator, the tyre has reached the legal minimum tread
depth and you should replace the tyre as soon as possible.
You should also be aware that there are many different reasons for
tyre wear. Your tyres don't just get worn through age and use, but
through emergency braking, under-inflation or over-inflation. And if
your wheels are misaligned, one edge of the tyre can wear more rapidly
than the other edge.
We recommend a weekly walk around the car to check the tread, look
for bulges or wear and to check tyre pressures every time you fill the
tank.
Looking After Tyres
1. Maintaining correct Tyre Pressures
There are three main reasons why maintaining the right tyre pressure is
important. The first is safety. Tyres that are under inflated can
overheat; and over inflated tyres can lead to poor vehicle handling on
the road.
The second reason is economy. Over or under inflated tyres suffer more
damage than those with the correct pressure and need to be replaced more
regularly. Vehicles with under-inflated tyres have increased rolling
resistance that require more fuel to maintain the same speed.
The third reason for maintaining the correct tyre pressure is the
environment. Correct tyre pressures help to maintain optimum fuel
efficiency. This can equate to lower Co2 emissions coming from your
vehicle than those with incorrect tyre pressures and that has to be good
for the environment.
2. Check for External Damage
Cuts, lumps and bumps are often caused by an impact between the tyre and
a kerb, pothole or object in the road. If your tyre has any of these
symptoms then you must have the tyre checked as quickly as possible by a
tyre specialist, as this sort of damage can result in sudden tyre
failure.
Wheel alignment too is a very important step in maintaining and
prolonging the life of your tyres. Kerbing or potholes affect your
vehicle’s wheel alignment settings which can lead to rapid or un-even
tyre wear. The car manufacturer will set your vehicle’s wheel alignment
at the factory, so after driving it’s worth a regular check to help
prevent premature tyre wear, generally caused by incorrect wheel
alignment setting.
Also, emergency braking can sometime leave your tyres with a ‘flat
spot’. This can be another reason for premature tyre removal. It is
always recommended to have your tyres checked if the vehicle has been
involved in an emergency manoeuvre like sudden and heavy braking. If you
have any concern or doubt about the condition of your tyres, please ask
a specialist for advice as soon as possible.
3. It’s a Driver's responsibility
UK law requires that your vehicle is fitted with the correct type and
size of tyres for the vehicle type you are driving and for the purpose
it is being used. This means fitting the right tyres, and for safety
ensuring that they are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended
pressure.
New regulations like Corporate and Social Responsibility and the Duty of
Care regulation place even greater focus on the need to carry out
regular tyre checks as part of a routine maintenance plan.
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