Tyre Safety Tips for the Back-to-School Run
Returning to routine in September, after a summer of fun, can be tricky for you and your little ones. And while we can’t help you during the daily hunt for missing P.E. kits or a matching pair of socks, we can make sure that your car will get your family to school, and in time for the bell.
Your tyres are essential for getting you from A to B. So, don’t risk a flat leaving you stranded on the school run! Instead save yourself the stress and get your car and its tyres checked while the weather's still warm and easy.
Additionally, in September MOT bookings surge! So, don't miss out and book early to secure a convenient slot.
Take a look at some of our top tyre advice for to starting your back-to-school prep.
Free Tyre Check
We proudly offer a free tyre check which includes an examination and diagnosis of pressure, tread and condition. Our experts will then provide you with a no-obligation quote for any additional work.
Tyre Pressure
If your tyres are underinflated, they can decrease your braking distance, worsen your handling and steering, and lead to faster fuel consumption. The tyres themselves will also wear down quicker and unevenly, which may lead to overheating and blowouts. Tyre blowouts can be very dangerous and even cause road accidents, which is the last thing you want to risk when you’ll regularly be transporting children to school.
You should check your vehicle’s individual handbook to see what PSI (pounds per square inch) your tyre should be at. Generally, most tyres should fall somewhere between 30-35 PSI.
Many petrol stations offer electronic pressure gauges that will both check and either inflate or deflate your tyres to the right PSI. However, if you wanted to check your tyre pressure at home, there are many options available to buy online. We would recommend that you check your tyre pressure 1-2 times a month but if you notice consistent pressure changes, it’s likely time to book in with your closest National Tyres autocentre or Halfords garage for the same one-family, excellent service.
Tyre Tread
In the season of drizzly mornings, slippery leaves covering the road, and children riding their bikes to school for the first time, being able to stop your car instantly is crucial. If your tyre tread is insufficient, you’ll likely find your car has a poorer stopping distance and less grip on the road. That’s because a tyre’s tread pattern drains water from the tyre’s surface which prevents aquaplaning and skidding.
The UK legal minimum requirement for tyre tread is 1.6mm, though many manufacturers and experts recommend that your tread should be closer to 3mm. If your tyres are bald, not only is it a safety concern but you’ll fail your next MOT, and you risk receiving a hefty fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per illegal tyre.
You can check your tyre tread at home using the nifty 20p test. Simply, slot a 20p coin in your tread grooves. If you can see the outer bottom edge, your tyres are probably illegal and will need to be replaced. However, if the bottom border of the 20p is hidden, your tyre tread is likely okay. Similarly, visual inspections alongside a high-quality tyre tread depth gauge can be used on-the-go to reveal the condition of your tread.
Damage
A big cause of surprise flat tyres and a stranded car on the drive (that you discover right when you’re finally ready to go!) is hidden damage. Damage to your tyre includes embedded road debris like nails, cuts or cracks in the rubber, and uneven tread wear. Such problems with your tyres can cause sudden and scary blowouts or slow punctures. You’ll be ready to finally get the school run underway… just to find you have a flat tyre and an undriveable car!
If you do find tyre damage after a visual inspection, book yourself into a National Tyres autocentre as soon as possible. Our experts may be able to carry out a puncture repair to the central 3 /4 of the tyre. However, if the damage is on the sidewall, the tyre will have to be replaced as the entire structural integrity is compromised. We offer a wide range of excellent and robust tyres that are made to suit every budget.
So, do your very best to avoid potholes and kerbs, visually inspect your tyres once a month, and keep on top of your regular car services.
Seasonal Tyres
If you live in a particularly weather-exposed location (such as Scotland), investing in winter tyres may be a good idea. They work great in temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius as they are made of a softer rubber and have a specialised tread pattern. Winter tyres are designed to have a short stopping distance on snow and ice due to their improved traction. They are also flexible and resist cracking in the cold.
However, we recognise that affording and changing two sets of tyres can be expensive and inconvenient. That’s why we also recommend all-season tyres as they work great in snow, rain and sun. You can use them all year round as opposed to summer tyres or winter tyres. They’re versatile, resilient, and easy – perfect for busy families who are always undertaking their next adventure (even if it’s just to school).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remember that your children watch everything that you do – whether you notice it or not. Teach them road safety early by taking your car’s performance seriously – you can even have them help you inspect (for example, using the 20p test).
Be sure to drive safe this autumn as you return to the routine of the school run. Take advantage of our free tyre check and further services to keep your family as safe as you possibly can.
Did you enjoy this blog post? |
1 people found this review helpful
Sign up for SPECIAL OFFERS
