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Summer tips for drivers

 

Checking the tyres in summer is very important. High temperatures, sometimes lots of rain, long road trips are part of that season. Drivers often forget about basic safety rules regarding the tyres during this time of year. Remembering about them will make your journey safe and enjoyable.   

    1. Change you tyres into summer type when temperatures are staying above 7°C* and snow and ice season is over. Even though winter tyres remain safe and offer good driving in all conditions, summer tyres will perform better and wear less when summer weather.   
    2. Make sure you use only good tyre services equipped with professional tools and applying recommended procedures. This is very important for the safety and tyre and wheel maintenance, especially when your car is equipped with tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). 
    3. Check the tyre pressure regularly, preferably before starting a journey and always when tires are cold. The recommended pressure, the one you can find usually on a label inside the front door frame or inside the car manual, is always given for standard temperature. When the car has been driving for some time the tyre temperature and its pressure rise so you cannot compare anymore. Underinflated tyres result in longer braking distance and premature wear while overinflated tyres means less comfort and also reduced tyre life so just keep the right pressure. 
    4. Check the tread condition and depth. Acceptable minimum depth by law is 1,6 mm.  Look if the tread does not have the lumps or uneven wear. If they are present, it may mean that the tyre is not balanced correctly, or that you need to check the geometry of the car itself, or its suspension. It could then require a tyre rotation, as per car manufacture guide, in order to rebalance the wear and a car alignment check to correct the problem. In some cases it can just be the consequence of a strong breaking and sliding. If you notice some blister or suspicious bump on the tyre, see your tyre service right away, it can be due to a pothole or some other issues and it can create a safety hazard. 
    5. Keep your spare tyre properly inflated if you have one. You never know when and where you may need it. If you are equipped with a narrow spare wheel remember if you must use it that it is much more fragile in case of bumpy road and that it must be driven at reduced speed according to the vehicle manufacture instructions. 
    6. Avoid overloading your vehicle beyond the vehicle specifications as it creates a safety hazard and when you attach a trailer use the vehicle manual to adjust the pressure when specified. 
    7. Replace the windshield washer fluid with the summer one. 
    8. Check if all the lights work properly. 
    9. Always have basic tools in a trunk - first-aid kit, reflective triangles, safe vest and  flashlight. 

Ideally clean your car for removing salt and have it examined in a car service after the winter. Checking car’s primary systems – suspension, breaking, steering, fuel, exhaust and electric systems – may help you to avoid unexpected stops during the spring and summer journeys.

Source: www.ptia.org.pl