How to Tell if You Need to Change Your Tyre

Added: 14 August 2017

Checking your car tyres is an important part of owning a car. They are a vital component of keeping you safe and keeping your car running smoothly. There are a few aspects you need to be checking on a regular basis, here are our top tips!

Noticeable Faults in Appearance

Even if you're driving a new Volkswagen on the roads, you’ll still want to check for any cuts and bulges that may have been caused by potholes or debris in the road and even for any sharp objects that could be stuck in your tyres. If you notice any of these then you’ll want to get your tyres changed as a matter of urgency. These defects can put you and other road users at risk.

Tyre Tread Up to scratch?

Over time the tread on your tyres will wear away, this affects how your tyres perform on the road. Stopping distances can increase and worn tread can be a danger to you and other cars on the road. There is a simple way to get an indication of how your tyres are wearing. Simply take a 20 pence coin and place it in the tread of the tyre. If you can see the outer band of the coin it means the tread on your tyre has worn to a point where they need to be changed, so get to your local garage as soon as possible. Tyre safety is important to us at Heritage Volkswagen, if you’re unsure about your tread arrange a free check with us to ensure you’re safe on the roads.

Tyre Pressure

Another important aspect to check is your tyre pressure. Incorrectly inflated tyres can increase your fuel consumption and lead to a reduced performance of your car. It is also dangerous; an over inflated tyre can easily explode while you are driving. Check your vehicle handbook to see the correct inflation for your tyres and top them up at a local petrol station when needed.

If you’ve carried all the relevant checks and your tyres are still looking a little low, it’s likely you have a puncture and should go to your nearest Volkswagen dealer. Choosing a dealer like Heritage Volkswagen means you’ll pay for a good quality like-for-like tyre with no hard sell involved. Only pay for what you need! Contact us today to book in.