We stock a full range of competitively priced tyres, for a fantastic deal on all types of car, van and 4×4 tyres contact Lindop Brothers on 01244 821031 or 01978 720074.

LINDOP TYRE SERVICE

Tyre Tips

Tyre wear depends on several factors, including your driving style and tyre maintenance habits. But one sure way to know it’s time is when treadwear indicators appear. A tyre’s built-in treadwear indicators are “wear bars” that look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread and appear when it’s time to replace the tyre.

You also need a new tyre if:

• You can see three or more treadwear indicators around the tyre
• Cord or fabric is showing through the rubber
• The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep enough to show cord or fabric
• The tyre has a bulge or split
• The tyre has a puncture, cut, or other damage that can’t be repaired correctly

The air inside your vehicle’s tyres supports its weight, not the tyres themselves. To get maximum performance and durability from your tyres, maintaining correct air pressure is crucial.

Underinflation is the biggest cause of tyre failure. Air is a gas, expanding when heating and contracting as it cools. So for most of us Autumn and early winter are especially important times for checking tyre pressure-as the ambient temperature falls, tyre pressure goes down.

A good rule of thumb is that for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit temperature change, tyre pressure changes about 1 psi-higher as temperatures rise, lower as they fall.

Here’s the bottom line: a tyre that’s not properly inflated can cause an accident. Underinflated tyres can also cause:

• Quicker wear
• Bad handling
• Lower fuel mileage

Overinflated tyres can cause:

• Rough ride
• Bad handling
• Rapid wear at the tyre’s center

Run-flat and temporary use spare tyres

Regulations permit the legal use of ‘run-flat’ tyres (provided they are identified as such) in a partially inflated or flat condition, and what are described as temporary use spare tyres. When a temporary use spare tyre is being used, the vehicle speed must not exceed 50mph, and a special high inflation pressure is normally used, otherwise the legal provision which permits their use ceases to apply. The temporary use spare tyre or the wheel to which it is fitted must be of a different colour to the other wheels on the vehicle and a label must be attached to the wheel giving clear information about the precautions to be observed when it is being used.

Checking Air Pressure

Check your vehicle’s tyres at least once a month, when the tyres are cold. Use a good quality gauge. Don’t “eyeball check” tyres-radial tyres can look fine even when they’re underinflated.

Be sure to look for stones, glass or other objects that have become wedged in the tread-they can work themselves further into the tyre and cause air loss.And don’t forget to check the spare!

Tyre Rotation

Since each tyre supports a different amount of weight, tyres wear at different rates. Rotating your wheels at recommended intervals extends their useful life and achieves more uniform tyre wear.

It’s important to rotate your wheels according to the correct rotation pattern. Front tyres encounter different tasks than the rear tyres. And a front-wheel-drive car’s tyres perform different tasks than those on a rear-wheel-drive car. Your owner’s manual specifies which rotation pattern is right for your vehicle.

Your vehicle’s front and rear tyres may also use different pressures-make sure to adjust individual tyre pressure to the recommendation for each wheel position.

Wheel Rust or Dirt

Rust or dirt on a wheel can loosen wheel nuts over time. When you have your wheels rotated, be sure to remove any rust or dirt from places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a cloth or paper towel, but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush later to remove all rust or dirt.

Also, remember that rotating your wheels won’t correct wear problems caused by worn mechanical parts or incorrect inflation pressures.

Wheel alignment and Tyre Balance

Scheduled alignment and balancing are not needed, since your vehicle’s wheels were aligned and balanced at the factory. But if you notice unusual tire wear or that your vehicle "pulls" one way or the other, the alignment may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle vibrating on a smooth road, your wheels may be out of balance.

A wheel that is out of balance often affects ride quality and can shorten the life of tyres, bearings, shocks, and other suspension components. A speed-dependent vibration-becoming noticeable around 45 mph and increasing as speed increases-is probably balance-related.