Spring is just around the corner, which means the arrival of those longer, lighter and warmer days – and the perfect excuse for a road trip. With the change in seasons, many drivers – whether that be for work or pleasure – will be taking advantage and heading out for long scenic drives, road trips or staycations.
With the anticipation of hitting the road, it’s easy to overlook key vehicle checks, including tyre maintenance, especially if your vehicle hasn’t ventured out much over the winter months.
To help you hit the road with confidence and ensure a safe and pleasant journey, here’s five maintenance checks the experts at Davanti Tyres recommend carrying out this spring:
1) Check your tyre pressure and unusual wear and tear
Tyres are the only connection between the vehicle and the road, making their condition critical to safety. Neglecting them could be dangerous and costly as under-inflated tyres can lead to uneven wear, reduced grip, and even increased fuel consumption. Additionally, any visible perforations, cuts or deformations have the potential to render the tyre unsafe to use.
It is recommended that you check your tyre pressure at least once a month as standard, so if you haven’t checked in a few weeks, or even months, take the time to do so now.If you do spot anything unusual, have your tyres inspected by a professional for added peace of mind.
2) Check the treads
Your tyre treads improve your vehicle’s grip, handling, and overall road safety. A quick and easy way to check them is the 20p test. Simply take a 20p coin and insert it into the tyre’s tread grooves. If you can’t see the outer band on the coin, your tyres are above the legal limit and good to go. If the outer band is visible, make sure to get your tyres replaced as a priority.
3) Don’t overload your car
Your tyres are doing the hard work of supporting your vehicle’s weight while withstanding deformations, speed and heat, so be mindful of how much you’re taking with you as any unnecessary strain could increase the risk of excessive wear
If you do need to carry a heavier load than normal, such as luggage or extra passengers, refer to your vehicle’s manual for the recommended tyre pressure adjustment and adjust accordingly.
4) Check your lights
Before setting off, do a quick check of your headlights, brake lights, indicators and sidelights.
A simple way to check your headlights is by turning them on and parking in front of a flat surface and checking that both headlights are working properly and well-positioned, as well as checking indicator and parking lights.
5) Check your engine oil
The oil in your vehicle’s engine serves a whole slew of functions: it lubricates the moving parts, helps act as a sealant against debris, cools the engine, reduces wear and tear, and helps prevent engine corrosion.
To check your oil levels, ensure your car is parked on a flat surface and the engine is cool. Use the dipstick to check the oil levels – if it’s looking a bit low, make sure to top it up with the recommended oil type for your vehicle before setting off on a long journey.
It’s well worth taking that extra 10 minutes to ensure your car is running efficiently and safely ahead of long journeys.
For further tips on tyre maintenance, visit: davanti-tyres.com
