Important things to know about tyres
Tyres are an essential part of any vehicle; they provide traction and safety. They also keep the wheels aligned while driving. Tyre manufacturers spend millions of dollars every year on research and development to produce high quality products.
When you buy a car, you're not just buying a vehicle — you're also purchasing its tyres. How safe are they? What do you need to know before you purchase them? What happens if you drive off with a flat tyre? These are all important questions. But there's so much more to learn about Bridgestone Tyres Gloucester.
Will tyres get old?
Yes! All things age over time. But, tyres remain fit for use if they are stored correctly. Under proper conditions, tyres have a 5 to 6 year lifespan. To keep your tyres fresh, store them properly. Keep them out of direct sunlight and heat, and away from extreme temperatures.
Tyres are made out of rubber, and rubber ages over time. Properly storing your tires will help keep them in optimum condition for as long as possible.
How do I choose a tyre brand?
There are many brands available to suit all budgets and driving styles. When choosing a tyre brand, consider its reputation. Do not forget to ask about any discounts that may be offered at certain times of year. Remember that the best time to buy tyres is when they're on special offer. If you want to save money, then you can wait until the next season when prices will go back down again.
How do I choose the right set of wheels?
When choosing wheels, there are many factors to consider. These include wheel type, wheel material, wheel rim width, wheel offset and wheel bolt pattern. Wheels come in different materials including steel, aluminium and magnesium. Steel wheels provide maximum strength and durability while aluminium wheels offer excellent weight savings. Wheel rims come in various sizes, ranging from small 18 inch rims all the way up to large 22 inch rims. Offset refers to the distance between the centre of the rim and the hub of the vehicle. A smaller offset means less space between the two components, making for tighter turning radius. Bolt patterns vary depending on the style of vehicle, but generally speaking, wider bolt patterns give greater stability and traction.
How do I maintain tyres
If you're looking after your tyres, check them regularly. Tread patterns are an indicator of how well your tyres are performing and whether there are any potential issues. If you see any signs of wear, crack or slash, contact your local garage before it becomes a bigger problem.
You should change the air filter once every 12 months, and then again after 6 months if you are driving in dusty conditions. You should also check that your wheel bearings are greased regularly, and that the brake pads are replaced when necessary. Your steering rack should also be checked for leaks, and your battery should be charged at least once per year. If you drive in cold climates, you may need to replace your heater core and/or defroster ducts every year.
How to maintain proper Tyre Pressure?
Checking tyre pressures regularly will ensure you get the best out of your car. You may need to replace old tyres if they become damaged, worn down or are completely flat. Your tyres should always be inflated properly, so that the pressure inside each wheel is the same as the other. If the pressure is too low, then you risk losing traction when accelerating or braking, plus the airbags won't inflate correctly either. If the pressure is higher than required, you'll be wasting fuel. Tyre pressures should be checked regularly using an engine management system (MMS) gauge. If you're not sure about what the right pressure is, ask your local garage, a mechanic or the manufacturer of your vehicle.
Important information printed on tyres
All important information about a tyre is printed on its sidewall to help you choose the right sized tire for your car. You will see the largest set of numbers and letters indicating aspects like the type of tyre, construction, tread depth, load index and speed rating. Additional information includes the maximum recommended air pressure and the date of manufacture (last 4 digits show week & year).
When do I know it's time to change my tyre?
There are three main signs that show when it is time to change your tyres: Tread wear indicators (TWI), tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) and tread depth. If you see any of these signs, it means your tyres need changing. TWIs indicate that the treads on your current tyres have worn down to 1.6 mm. TPMS is an automatic system that monitors tyre pressure. If you notice a warning light flashing on your car dashboard, it means your tyres are underinflated. And lastly, if the tread depth on your tyres is below 2.2mm, you need to get them changed.
It's important to keep an eye out for uneven wear on your car tyres to see if there are any problems. If your tyres are worn unevenly, this could indicate that they're not aligned correctly, which means that you'll need to get them aligned. You'll also want to check for any other issues such as cracked, torn or otherwise damaged tyres. These types of issues will always require replacing the damaged tyre.
What happens if I don't change my tyres?
Your car could suffer serious damage if you don't change your tyres before they completely wear away. As well as causing an accident, your tyres could burst, resulting in a huge loss of money.
Understanding the differences between different types of rubber compounds, steel belts, sidewalls and treads will give you an idea of what kind of tyres you should buy. You should always buy tyres from reputable suppliers, and ensure that the tyres fit properly before driving them.
In addition to knowing when to change your tyre, you should understand what type of tyre you need. Tyres come in different sizes, shapes, compounds and tread patterns. Knowing what kind of tyre you need will help you avoid getting ripped off at the garage. You should also know what size Tyres Gloucester you need so that you can buy the right size wheel rim. As well as this, you should know what type of tyre you have before going to the garage. If you're unsure, ask them!