AN expert has revealed three simple checks you can carry out to make your tyres last longer and save hundreds.
Nick Gilbert from Kwik Fit urged drivers to keep an eye on their rubber, saying it is “vital” to stay safe on the road.
GettyA tyre expert has shared three quick and easy checks to make yours last longer[/caption]
Speaking exclusively to the Sun Online, Nick emphasised the importance of “regular, easy checks” to keep on top of maintenance.
He said: “For all the safety features on modern cars, it’s worth remembering that a car’s tyres are the only things connecting it to the road – so it’s vital that they are in the best condition possible.
“The most important regular check to make is on their pressures – running at the correct pressure maximises performance, and prolongs tyre life.
“The correct pressure also ensures optimal grip, giving drivers the best control of their car.”
Not only that, but it can also improve fuel efficiency and, for those who drive EVs, improve range.
This is good for both the environment and drivers’ wallets as it means you get more bang for your buck out of a set of tyres.
Given that replacements can start from £50 per tyre and run into several hundred for fancier models, getting every last mile out of them is a must amid a cost of living crisis.
Nick went on: “As well as pressures, drivers should check the tread. Obviously to make sure it’s legal with at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, but also that it’s wearing evenly.
“If a wheel is out of alignment, which can happen over time or if a car hits a kerb or pothole, then a tyre may wear quicker on one side than the other.
“That could mean it will have to be replaced prematurely, even if it has lots of tread on the other side.”
You can check your tread depth with the trusty “20p test“, where you insert a 20p piece into the grooves in the rubber.
If you can still see the rim of the coin where you have placed it, your tread is likely to be below the minimum standard, which would result in an instant MOT failure and the cost of booking another.
Finally, related to the tread, you can check the alignment of your vehicle’s tyres for relatively little.
Motorcyclists may well be able to do this at home with a jack stand and alignment tool, but car drivers are best advised to get this done professionally.
Kwik Fit offer four-wheel alignment checks using laser technology and have the ability to adjust tyres back to factory-perfect alignment.
It comes after we ran through the best second-hand cars available in 2024 for under £10,000.