Why Tyre Health is Crucial for Avoiding Road Accidents

When we discuss road safety, we usually refer to driving or vehicle maintenance. However, one important factor that usually goes unnoticed is tyre health. Good tyres are your defence against accidents, and yet most of us hardly even notice them. So why is tyre health so important in the first place?

Tyres: Your Safety Connection

Your tyres are the only components of your vehicle that come into contact with the road. Because of this, they play a very important role in ensuring traction, stability, and handling. Even the most sophisticated safety features of your car will be useless if your tyres are not in good condition. Damaged or worn-out tyres can easily cause skidding, loss of control, or even blowouts, all of which can result in accidents.

The Role of Tread Depth

The tread depth is perhaps the most vital aspect to focus on. The treads provide grip on slippery and wet road surfaces. If your tread depth is less than the advised level (typically 1.6 mm), your tyres will not stick to the road. This enhances the danger of hydroplaning in wet weather or skidding on tight turns.

How to Check:

Place a coin into the tread groove. If the outer band of the coin is visible, it’s time to replace your tyres.

Tyre Pressure Matters

Driving on under-inflated tyres is risky. With low pressure, more of the tyre comes into contact with the ground, creating more friction and heat. Not only does this wear the tyre out quicker, but it also increases the risk of a blowout. Over-inflated tyres, conversely, cut down on grip, and the ride becomes bumpy and unstable.

Pro Tip:

Keep checking your tyre pressure regularly, particularly before extended journeys. A temperature change by one degree can influence the tyre pressure, so don't neglect this during changes in the seasons.

The Impact of Worn-Out Tyres

Worn tyres take longer to stop, which may be vital in an emergency. Even if you hit the brakes hard, your car can continue to skid. Bald tyres also don't have the grooves necessary to displace water and thus raise the chances of aquaplaning.

Why It Matters:

You're cruising down a wet highway and you need to make an emergency stop. With worn tyres, your car may skid, resulting in an accident.

Cracks, Bulges, and Punctures

Visual checks can tell you a lot about the wellbeing of your tyres. Sidewall cracks can show age or extreme exposure. Bulges can develop after running over a pothole, which can mean internal damage. Small punctures can produce slow air leaks, which can jeopardize safety.

Don't Ignore:

If you do observe any of these signs, have your tyres checked right away. A small problem can develop into a serious safety issue if neglected.

The Grip Factor

Good tyre grip is necessary for cornering and braking. Tyres loses their grip over time due to rubber ageing and tread wear. If your car is slipping when cornering or braking, chances are that your tyres are losing their grip.

Quick Tip:

If you experience slipping, particularly in the wet, don't wait, get your tyres checked.

Regular Maintenance: A Safety Habit

Tyre health has to be maintained regularly. Periodic checks, balancing, and alignment are necessary to extend the life of your tyres and maintain safety. Uneven wear from misaligned wheels will make your tyres less trustworthy and more likely to blow.

Why It Matters:

Uneven wear not only decreases traction but also places excess stress on a single area of the tyre, which becomes susceptible to failure.

Tyres and Fuel Efficiency

Healthy tyres also promote improved fuel economy. Under-inflated tyres generate more resistance while rolling, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Maintaining proper tyre pressure not only ensures safety but also saves on fuel costs.

Seasonal Tyre Checks

Various seasons place varying requirements on your tyres. Tyre pressure can rise during summer heat, and it can drop in winter. Winter tyres are provided with deeper treads for coping with snow and ice. Always replace tyres with season-specific tyres to ensure safety.

Tip:

Refer to the manufacturer's guide for best performance in varying weather.

The Importance of Rotating Tyres

Tyre rotation ensures even wear distribution. Front tyres tend to wear out sooner than rear tyres because of steering and braking loads. Regular rotation increases tyre life and keeps handling balanced.

Rotation Schedule:

Generally, rotate your tyres every 8,000 to 10,000 km or as defined by your vehicle manufacturer.

Don't Ignore Warning Signs

Most drivers ignore warning signs from their tyres. It may be a slight vibration, a thumping sound, or abnormal wear patterns, but these signs should not be ignored. Usually, they're your car's way of telling you that the tyres aren't in their best condition.

Overlooking these symptoms may seem innocuous at first, but with time, they can culminate into larger problems. An initial imbalance can progress to unbalanced wear, and that will eventually result in a blowout. Checking for these symptoms and addressing them periodically can prevent you from incurring expensive repairs—and maybe even fatal situations.

How Often Should You Replace Your Tyres?

It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, but a rough guideline is to change tyres every 5-6 years, irrespective of tread wear. Driving behavior, road conditions, and quality of tyres also contribute to lifespan.

Warning Signs:

When you notice bare cords or metal wires, it's time to replace the tyres. Likewise, tyres that tend to lose air often could suffer damage to their structure.

Professional Inspection: A Must

Even if your tyres look fine, it’s wise to get a professional inspection once a year. Apollo Tyres service centers offer comprehensive tyre checks, including alignment and balancing, to keep your vehicle road-ready.

Final Thoughts

Good tyre health is not just about smooth rides, it’s about keeping you and your passengers safe. Don’t take tyre maintenance lightly. Regular checks and timely replacements can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

If you are not sure of your tyres condition, head to your local Apollo Tyres center. Save yourself from tomorrow's surprise breakdowns by taking the help of an expert today. Drive safe!