Whether you live in a busy city, such as Nottingham, London or Manchester, or reside somewhere where there is less traffic, you will often find that your tyres come under more pressure than usual when you embark on a road trip.
Of course, a well-planned road trip should be about enjoying the journey just as much as the destination.
So, whether you’re driving from Highbury Vale to Highbury in North London or from Bethnal Green to Beeston as a part of your road trip, you should always make sure that your tyres are in good condition for the journey.
What does this entail, though? Read on to find out.
1. Pump Your Tyres Up
To begin with, your tyres should be re-inflated every few thousand miles you travel.
Ahead of a long road trip, this is even more important because even tyres that are just a couple of PSI below their correct level will perform less well.
Even worse, their responsiveness and handling will deteriorate over the course of the road trip. Inflate tyres to the manufacturer’s recommended level.
Don’t over-inflate them which causes bowing and less tread that will subsequently be in contact with the road surface.
While under-inflated tyres wear down quicker, offer less grip and cause more fuel to be consumed per mile, over-inflated ones have their own problems.
In short, don’t overdo it to try and make the next time you need to pump them up further in the future.
2. Check the Tread Depth of Your Tyres
Replace any tyres that have gone below the legal limit which can be done easily with a tyre tread gauge. You can get tyres in London at competitive prices from Elite Direct simply enough and there are plenty of other places in other parts of the country which provide new tyres and a fitting service.
That said, when planning a road trip, you’ll want to make sure tyres that are approaching – but which have not yet reached this limit – are replaced before you set off, too.
This way, you will ensure that you aren’t going to have to find somewhere local to you in another part of the country where you can have new tyres fitted midway through the road trip.
3. Ensure Your Spare Tyre is Present and Correct
Although you don’t need a spare tyre when travelling on British roads, it is advisable to have one.
All you need to do is check that one is there in case of an emergency. For many motorists, this takes a quick look under their boot cover to reveal a spare that is ready to go.
Check the range of your spare while you’re at it to ensure you know how far you can continue should you need to change it while on your road trip.
4. Inspect Your Tyres’ Sidewalls
Some tyres develop bulges on their sides.
If any of your tyres show this issue, then it means that the rubber they’re made from is beginning to break up.
If so, you could face a blowout on the road or even your tyre popping while you are loading your holiday belongings.
Either way, it is dangerous so replace bulging tyres without any further delay.
5. Have Your Tracking Checked
Finally, tracking isn’t something you can do yourself but it only takes a few minutes for a professional to carry out for you.
On a road trip, you will want to avoid the extra wear and tear of misaligned tyres given the longer distances you’ll be driving.
Even better, having the tracking adjusted will help to lengthen the lifespan of each tyre making motoring less costly in the long term.
In conclusion, preparing your tyres for a road trip is essential for a smooth and safe journey, whether navigating busy city streets or quieter routes.
By following these steps, you can ensure your tyres are ready for the journey ahead, providing peace of mind as you embark on your road trip adventure.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos
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