Travelling the UK’s motorways is commonplace for many during the Easter break. A 4 day holiday offering thousands the opportunity of a short getaway without taking time from work. With so many opting to take to the country’s roads, it is important to make sure your vehicle is prepared for the hundreds of miles it will encounter.
Tyre grip
Not having proper grip of the road can cause many problems (even on dry roads). Driving with under or over-inflated tyres can not only wear a tyre down quicker, but can cause significant changes in grip.
When properly inflated, tyres have an even grip on the road; spread throughout its surface. This allows the best grip; ensuring no one section is overworked. As demonstrated above, over or under-inflation places stress on either the sides (under) or middle (over). Uneven or slippery road surface will affect grip; raising the chances of losing traction. This can quickly lead to dangerous outcomes (especially at high speed).
Checking correct pressure
Where can you check your pressure? That’s simple. Commonly tyre pressure can be checked in various places including:
- Your car’s manual
- Inside ledge of driver’s side door
- Inside the petrol cap
- Manufacturer’s website
- Tyre gauge websites
Different loads will require different pressures. If you are travelling with baggage and passengers, the required pressure will be different than if you were travelling alone. Always check the information sheets to find out what is best for you.
Routine maintenance
It is good practice to check tyre pressure at least once and month and before any big journey. Some cars now come equipped with pressure gauges to remind you if they dip too low. Regardless of how you keep a check, it is advisable to keep on top of tyre maintenance.
Another common test to take before big journeys includes checking the tyre depth. In the UK the minimum legal depth is 1.6mm. Ensuring tyres have at least this depth works alongside appropriate pressure to ensure the best possible grip. To test the tyre depth, use a 20p coin. If the outer edge of the 20p not visible, the tread is safe. If however the outer band of the 20p is still visible, the tyres need replacing.
The easiest way to ensure your car is in top condition for any long journey would be to perform or purchase a full service. This way you can be sure the basics like oil levels, air filters, coolant levels, the radiator and water levels are checked.
Recent AA statistics point towards tyre pressure contributing to almost 1/3 of accidents on UK roads. It is far better surely then, to be safe and carry out checks than risk the lives of family and other road users?
What if I am wronged?
You may check every aspect of your car. You may drive safely and attentively. But what happens when another driver negligently causes injury to you? Thankfully assistance is available to protect those wrongfully affected by poor drivers.
If you or your family have suffered (even after doing your own duty as a diligent road user) you can claim for the injuries caused. Scott Rees & Co has been helping injured drivers for over 25 years and continues to do so today.
If you would like free, honest, impartial advice on your best course of action following an injury, you can speak to an adviser by calling 01695 722 222. You can also visit our website and fill in our simple claim form to give us details of your incident. From there we can assess your injuries and advise you on how we can assist going forward.