There are many important elements in a car that affect the quality of driving and the state of safety. However, few can equal the tyres. Why? Because the tyres are the only car system that touches the road. And the only one non-metallic that rotates so fast. For many, what is the problem with driving on too little pressure or on tyres that ended their radiance half a decade ago? Until it breaks and we bear the consequences of our own recklessness.
– Drivers are often unaware of the dangers of ignoring their tyres. What they do not know is that when driving at 140 km / h, the popular size car wheel spins more than 1000 times a minute. Insufficient pressure or poor condition of tyres in such difficult working conditions can have consequences. One bump is enough and our journey will end in a nearby ditch or on an energy-intensive barrier. Our health and life are worth much more than just a few minutes of getting your car ready to go – says Piotr Sarnecki, General Director of the Polish Tyre Industry Association (PTIA).
5 tips not to forget:
1. Check the condition of the wheels and the tyre pressure – before going on a longer trip, the condition of rims and tyres should be carefully assessed. If there are cracks, cuts or bulges on the tyres, reaction is necessary. Such symptoms may mean that there is damage and the tyre or rim should be replaced. No signs can be ignored. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to an accident with unpredictable consequences. It is also worth checking the tread depth – in accordance with national requirements, it must not be less than 1.6 mm. If it is less, then an absolute replacement is necessary.
Tyres are responsible for many important functions. Grip, steerability and road safety depend on them. If the pressure is too low, the car may not behave naturally and the braking distance will increase. Additionally, fuel consumption and noise will be increased. Driving with too little pressure for a long time can also damage the tyre. Internal layers may crack after overheating, which will mean the need to change the entire set.
With modern tyres, the pressure loss is noticeable only when it is approx. 30% too low. Therefore, checks should be performed periodically. Tyre pressure should be measured when the tyres are cold or after driving no more than 2 kilometres. The parameters to which the tyres need to be inflated are usually written on the car's side pillar, on the fuel filler flap or in the operator's manual.
– In a properly inflated tyre, the temperature is 70 degrees C, while driving at 120 km/h. In the one with too low air level, it reaches 120 degrees C. At 120 degrees C, the inner layers of the tyres separate from each other. If it happens while driving, you have a vacation done. And good luck, if you call the ambulance yourself. So have you taken everything? Bags, suitcases, bicycles, boards, fishing rods, golf clubs, pets? After packing it all up, there's one more thing to add – extra tyre pressure. All – including spar wheel – underlines Piotr Sarnecki.
How to check the pressure?
Always, even if you have pressure sensors. They may also be inoperable.
We check the car after packing – but before driving, or at the nearest station max 3 km driving slowly.
We do not check with our eyes, but with a pressure gauge – with today's tyres, a change in pressure can be noticed only when the tyre is under-inflated by 30%.
In the car manual or on the sticker next to the door, the value for a fully loaded car is stated.
Underinflated tyres may cause:
longer braking distance
destruction of internal layers
low slip resistance
destruction of the tyre sidewall after driving into a hole
higher fuel / electricity consumption
more noise while driving
Too much of air is also an exaggeration:
rapid wear of the tread centre
suspension wear
low slip resistance
2. Spar wheel will save the time – many cars still have a classic spare wheel. It is an equal tyre that, like the tyres fitted on a daily basis, needs attention. When checking the pressure, the spare ones should also be refilled. By the way, check its condition. It is worth noting here that many car models have the so-called temporary spare wheel. It is narrower and requires a much higher pressure. The pressure parameters allowed in this case can be found either on the tyre or in the vehicle manual.
3. Are you still driving on the winter tyres? Don’t take a risk! – driving on winter tyres with a too soft tread compound in such temperatures extends the braking distance by several meters. In addition, you will face the greater fuel consumption and wear of the tyre itself, as well as worse cornering.
4. The load index is not made of rubber – traveling by car is always associated with greater possibilities in terms of taking luggage. However, you cannot take everything. Tyres have a durability that should not be exceeded. The vehicle manufacturer's recommendations for loads can be found in the car's manual. For vehicles other than sedans, we do not recommend stacking luggage above the rear seat line, unless a mesh or grille is provided to separate the passenger compartment from the luggage compartment. The basic rule is that the heaviest luggage should be packed down as deep as possible in the trunk.
5. General inspection and the equipment – longer journeys are also required to check the general condition of the car. Therefore, the condition of the braking system (discs, brake pads), steering and suspension should be checked in advance. These are the elements that have a direct impact on travel safety. Another thing to keep in mind is the car's equipment. When traveling around the country or abroad, be sure to get acquainted with the rules applicable there. Each country has its own guidelines that can vary significantly. So it's worth checking how many reflective vests must be in the car, whether we need a set of spare bulbs or other essential accessories.
– This year's holidays are very much expected and important. However, to fully enjoy them, you need to get to these places safely. The car requires attention, as do its tyres. Without the right dose of attention and care, it will not repay you and will become a torment. The technical condition is the basis of safety. Therefore, apart from checking the car and its equipment, we should also remember about the tyres! It is the fastest spinning element on which our health and life depend. Bad condition, insufficient pressure or visible cracks may not only cause problems with reaching the destination, but also the fear that we will never get there – summarizes Sarnecki.
Source: Polish Tyre Industry Association