Level 1 - Key safety Checks Part 1

Tyre Pressures

Check your tyre pressures once a month and before long journeys.
A tyre can actually be quite under inflated without looking "flat". So you should check the pressures regularly. The right pressure is a vital factor in the safety and longevity of your tyres.

Ideally, check pressures when the tyres are cold; this means that they have not been used in the last 2 hours, or they have covered less than 2 miles at low speeds.

If the tyres are "hot" when they are checked:

• Add 4 to 5 psi (0.3 bar) to the pressures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
• Never reduce the pressure of a "hot" tyre, even if the pressure is above the recommended level. If a tyre is over-inflated
it's best adjusted cold.
• Re-check the pressures when the tyres are cold.

In cases of unusual pressure loss, have the internal and external condition of the tyre, the condition of the wheel and the valve checked by a tyre specialist.

Recommended tyre inflation pressures for your vehicle can normally be found in the vehicle handbook or on a label fixed on the vehicle, for example on the door frame or the fuel filler flap. Use the pressures relating to your tyre sizes and vehicle load/speed conditions.

Having the correct inflation pressure in your vehicle’s tyres not only optimises the performance but also increases your personal safety when driving.

Driving with incorrect tyre pressures can affect a vehicle’s handling, and can seriously compromise safety—leading to incidents that can put lives at risk.

If your tyres are over or under inflated enough to be considered un-roadworthy, reading this module could save you a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points per tyre.

Recent results showed that:

• An alarming three quarters of UK drivers were running on under inflated tyres.*
• Three per cent of cars checked in the UK were running with a punctured tyre.*
• More than 50% of drivers had tyres that were classified as dangerously under-inflated* (7 psi or more below the recommended pressure)

* Michelin “Fill Up With Air” campaign data

A tyre loses some of its pressure through natural causes (typically around 1 psi (0.076 bars) per month). Pressure loss may be accelerated by other air leaks due to:

• An accidental puncture
• The valve: which should be changed each time a tyre is changed.
• The valve cap: essential to guarantee an airtight seal.
• The wheel: which should be cleaned each time a tyre is fitted.
  

A correctly inflated tyre improves safety, is more economical in use and is better for the environment.

Tyre Wear and Tread depth

Tyres become worn over time

But this period depends on a variety of factors including driver behaviour, the roughness of the road surface, the mechanical condition of the vehicle and tyre pressure.

A QUICK AND EASY SAFETY MEASURE

Make sure you regularly check the tread depth of your tyres and replace them when they are worn.

This will guarantee maximum traction and grip, helping you avoid any unpleasant surprises.

You must change your tyres before your tread depth is worn beyond 1.6mm.

• The tread grooves disperse water from underneath your tyre
• The more tread depth you have remaining on your tyres the more water they can disperse, reducing the risk of aquaplaning.
• Correct air pressure, as well as regular vehicle maintenance, will ensure your tyres perform at their best for the longest possible time.

Michelin Tyre Manager

If you are interested in keeping a track of your tread depths, Tyre Manager helps you to:-

• Track how your tyres are wearing, follow our advice to extend tyre life.
• Predict when your tyres will need replacing helping you to budget more effectively.
• Provide cost per mile calculations to make better informed future tyre purchases

Visit tyre-manager.co.uk

What's next?

In the next section, we explore what you need to know when you visit your local tyre retailer:-

• When should you visit a tyre dealer?
• Tyre labelling – what does it mean?
• Some of the subjects the dealer is likely to talk to you about – what you need to know