It doesn’t matter whether you only drive a few miles each day on country lanes or you are a city dweller who is more used to braking frequently in traffic, car tyres need to operate within their design specifications. The same goes for motorway driving on hot tarmac at the height of summer or driving around arterial routes like the North Circular in driving rain. From London to Llandudno and from Edinburgh to Edmonton, car tyres can save your life. This only happens if they have the right sort of design features and are properly maintained, of course. What are the features to look out for in car tyres? Read on to find out.
1. Tyre Compounds
To begin with, the compound tyres are made to affect many aspects of their performance. Those with the toughest compounds tend to last the longest, offering motorists better value for money but these won’t necessarily suit all driving conditions. If you have to drive on tracks or twisting lanes, then you might want a compound that offers more grip on these surfaces. Motorway drivers should opt for more durable compounds, though.
2. Tread Depth
The tread on car tyres doesn’t last forever. As tyres rotate, so the rubber they are made from will wear down eventually diminishing the tread until the tyre becomes bald. You need to replace tyres long before this happens, though. Wherever you live in the UK, the same rules apply. Tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread left over their entire surface or they’re illegal and must be replaced. You can also book car tyres in London from Elite Direct today or find a reputable dealer near you.
3. Sidewall Strength
The integrity of tyres is maintained by the sidewall, their ring-shaped outer portion. On the sidewall, you will find coding that tells you details about your tyre and its various specifications. Bear in mind that sidewalls can age just like tread can. This will often accelerate if your tyres are exposed to an excessive amount of UV light, something that affects people in southern England, especially if they always park the same way with the same tyres facing south. If bulges appear in your tyres’ sidewalls, then they could burst and may be dangerous so change them without delay.
4. Tyre Profiles
The profile of a tyre can be better described as its aspect ratio. In other words, this is the tyre’s ratio when you compare its width to its height. You need the right type of profile for your model of car, of course, or you won’t get a good fit. Note that tyre profiles are available in numerous designs. Typically, motorists will notice a change in response and handling, especially when cornering, when they have tyres with different profiles fitted. In addition, tyre profiles will often affect the ride of a car and could impact how comfortable – or otherwise – it is to travel longer distances by road.
5. Tread Patterns
Finally, the tread patterns of various tyre designs affect performance. Some tyres are designed for fuel economy with a pattern that offers as little rolling resistance as possible. Others are primarily concerned with shifting water away from the wheel, thereby helping to prevent skidding or aquaplaning in wet weather. Most common tyre patterns offer a blend of different functions to offer all-round performance these days.
Disclosure: This is a featured post.