FOR those embarking on long journeys by car this holiday season, prioritising tyre safety should be paramount.

Dean Horn, managing director of Super Tyres, emphasises the crucial role tyres play as the sole point of contact between a vehicle and the road, stressing the need for their continuous optimal condition to ensure safety.

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“Ensuring that tyres and shocks are in optimal condition can prevent many accidents. Tyres are your vehicle’s foundation on the road, facilitating safe steering and braking. Tyres and shock absorbers work in tandem to safeguard your safety, with shock absorbers keeping the tyres grounded while the tyres literally bear the responsibility of holding your life in their grip,” he said.

Maintaining correct tyre pressure, tread, and wheel alignment is essential for road safety. Horn said about 20% of fuel consumption goes towards overcoming friction between the car and the road, making regular tyre checks imperative to prevent unnecessary spending at the pumps.

Checking tyre pressure for proper inflation significantly extends tyre lifespan. “Under or over-inflated tyres wear unevenly and have a shorter lifespan. Regularly rotating and balancing tyres, along with wheel alignment every 10 000km, is recommended to enhance tyre life and performance,” said Horn.

It is advisable to check the date codes on tyres to ensure they are not older than five years. “Aging tyres become brittle, leading to poor grip and potential casing failure. The date code, found in an oval on the tyre sidewall, indicates the week and year of manufacture. For instance, a tyre with the date code 0320 was manufactured in the third week of 2020, making it close to four years old,” said Horn.

4 tyre safety tips to ensure a trouble-free journey:

• Inspect your tyres: Regularly examine tyres for wear and damage, seeking professional inspection every six months. Ensure all four tyres match in size, speed rating and load index, including the spare tyre.
• Check air pressure: Incorrect tyre pressure affects handling and braking, especially in wet conditions. Monthly checks and pre-trip inspections are crucial.
• Respect load capacity: Adhere to the tyre’s load index to avoid excess heat buildup and potential tyre failure.
• Check shocks: Worn shocks compromise road grip. Signs include a vibrating steering wheel, tyre bald patches, poor road-holding or excessive veering.
• Inspect spare tyre: Ensure your spare tyre is properly inflated and in good condition. In case of damage, replace it and have the tyre inspected.

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