The Monthly Five-Minute Check
Walk around your car and give each tyre a quick visual inspection. Look for obvious damage, foreign objects embedded in the tread, and any sign that a tyre looks lower than the others. This brief check takes minutes and can catch problems before they become emergencies on Newport's roads.
Check 1 — Tread Depth
Use a 20p coin or a tread depth gauge to measure the main grooves of each tyre. Check at multiple points around the circumference and across the tyre width. Aim to replace tyres when they reach 3mm. The legal minimum is 1.6mm but safety performance drops significantly before that level.
Check 2 — Inflation Pressure
Check all four tyres and the spare (if fitted) with a reliable pressure gauge. Use the figures from your vehicle's door sticker or manual, not the number on the tyre sidewall. Check when the tyres are cold for an accurate reading.
Check 3 — Sidewall Condition
Inspect each sidewall for bulges, bubbles, cuts or cracking. A bulge indicates internal damage and the tyre should be replaced immediately. Fine surface crazing in older tyres suggests the rubber is ageing and a professional inspection is advisable.
Check 4 — Tread Wear Patterns
Uneven wear across the width of the tread suggests incorrect inflation or a wheel alignment issue. Worn patches or scalloping around the tyre suggests a wheel balance problem. Either issue should be investigated before the tyre wears below the legal limit.
Free Safety Checks With Newport Mobile Tyres
Newport Mobile Tyres carries out a free tyre safety inspection on all four tyres with every visit. If you'd like a professional check without committing to any work, call 01633 855 522 and ask about our inspection service.
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