5 tips to keep your tyres ready for holiday driving

Lifestyle Sunday 30/December/2018 17:49 PM
By: Times News Service
5 tips to keep your tyres ready for holiday driving

Holiday season is on, meaning an extra-large helping of food, family, friends and fun are in store. Unfortunately, so is the seasonal weather. Be prepared for chilling temps, and rain that could easily put a damper on driving to holiday celebrations and shopping sprees.
As the weather starts to get temperamental and roads get super-slick, now is the time to make sure your car is ready to handle the holiday driving crunch. First place to check is at your feet: Your tyres are responsible for safely getting you from holiday point A to point B.
The one thing people shouldn’t forget to do is check the condition of their tyres. It’s something every driver should do because tyres are the only part of a vehicle that actually touches the road and they affect everything from braking and steering to comfort and handling.
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Certain types of tyres perform well in less-than-ideal conditions. Tyre maintenance is also important. Make sure the tread is in good shape and your tyres are properly inflated. That will help increase traction on wet roads, which is especially important during the winter season.

Here are some year-round tips:
Check tyre pressure
Check tyre pressure at least once a month — this takes about five minutes. Always use an accurate tyre gauge and consult the owner’s manual or placard on the driver’s door to determine proper tyre pressure. Tyre pressure should be checked when the tyres are cold — at least four hours since the vehicle was last driven.
Check tread depth
Check your tread depth and if your tyre’s tread has worn down you need to buy a new tyre.
Replace worn tyres
Tyres should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch. It’s best to replace them before they reach 2/32 for optimal performance, especially in bad weather.
Rotate tyres regularly
Rotating your tyres regularly promotes even wear of the tread. Tyres should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
Check tyre alignment
Check your alignment at least once a year or sooner, especially if the vehicle is pulling to one side. This will help avoid uneven wear on tyre tread. Tyre balance should also be monitored.