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Do my tyres need replacing in winter?
Do your tyres need replacing in winter? This is an age-old question but one that can easily be answered with a couple of quick and simple checks for safer driving this winter.
For your passenger’s safety and the safety of other motorists sharing the same stretch of road, it is highly recommended that you check the condition of your tyres before embarking on long trips or driving in cold wintery conditions.
Winter can provide all sorts of hazards while driving. Black ice is perhaps the most dangerous but snow, sleet, water and even high winds can make the task of driving down the road become a risky endeavour.
The Checks:
Firstly, if you can’t remember when you last had new tyres and think you need new ones, then you probably do. Your vehicle will become less responsive under cornering and braking with worn or damaged tyres. It’s really easy to avoid this by visually checking your car tyres before driving off.
You can do a visual check by simply walking around your vehicle to see if there are any visible bulging, cuts or serious wear and tear on the tread, sidewall and even damage to the cars wheels, which can all be an indicator of damaged tyres.
Check your tread depth with a coin or simply run your fingers over the tread depth indicators, these are visible bars in the longitudinal grooves of the tyre. A safe depth is 2-3mm above the tread depth bar but always double check with your states rules and regulations. Your vehicles placard may also have this information.
It’s advisable to include tyre and wheel maintenance in your next vehicle service. Things like a wheel balance and alignment can reduce the risk of uneven wear and can ultimately prolong the life of your tyres, saving you money in the long run.
Tyre pressures are vital in getting the most mileage out of your tyres. Both over inflation and under inflation can lead to extreme cases of uneven tread wear. The vehicle can feel unresponsive under the pressures of cornering and braking.
If in doubt, always have your tyres checked by a professional. Donnellans are your tyre experts and we are conveniently located in 5 locations around Melbourne. Drop in today or call:
- Blackburn – (03) 9894 1223
- Collingwood – (03) 9417 5527
- Preston – (03) 9480 0044
- Prahran – (03) 9510 3199
- Balwyn – (03) 9816 9900
