One of the more common reasons why insurance companies reject car insurance claims is because the tyres aren’t up to roadworthy standards. Ensuring that your claim gets paid out isn’t the only reason why you should keep your tyres in good condition, though. Tyres are 1 of the most crucial parts of a car, so looking after them will hopefully prevent you from suffering through a nasty situation. You don’t want to end up stranded on the side of the road or having a blowout and experiencing a life-threatening accident.
To help you keep your tyres in roadworthy condition, use this list of DOs and DON’Ts.
The DON’Ts that you should pay attention to.
- Don’t drive hard.
How you drive impacts your tyres, not to mention your life expectancy. For instance, when you accelerate too quickly and brake too hard, the tyres undergo serious damage. For instance, the damage to the rubber and accompanying parts of your tyre lead to faster deteriorate, which results in un-roadworthiness.
- Don’t install mismatched tyres.
Not many of us are clued up about this particular “don’t”, but it’s important that you understand the implications of installing mismatched tyres. Simply, mismatched tyres will negatively impact your car’s handling and increase the wear and tear on the rest of your tyres. This is compounded by placing tyres from different manufacturers on the same axle.
The Dos you should aim for.
- Do check your tyre pressure regularly.
Under-inflated tyres are a leading cause of tyre-related crashes because flatter tyres result in premature tread wear. This, in turn, leads to blowouts, which can be disastrous on the road. If you check your tyre pressure regularly, it will help you prevent driving on under-inflated tyres and extend their life… And keep you safe.
Your owner’s manual or the info placard on your car’s door frame will help you find the appropriate tyre pressure for your car.
- Do rotate your tyres.
According to the experts, you should rotate your tyres every 8,000 – 10,000km. This simple act allows you to get the maximum life out of your tyres. What you can do is visit the tyre store from where you bought your set of tyres and they may provide free tyre rotation. However, if they don’t then it’s good to note that tyre rotations are relatively cheap.
- Do replace tyre valves on time.
Tyre valves are completely necessary to keeping your tyres roadworthy. The valves, when in good condition, form an airtight seal with the tyre. This helps maintain the correct air pressure in the tyre, so a worn out or damaged valve can cause air loss and allow external dust particles into the tyre. This reduces a tyre’s lifespan and is especially dangerous when driving at high speeds.
It’s recommended that you replace your valve and valve caps every time you buy new tyres.
To keep you and others safe on the road, it’s imperative that you look after your car. This means checking your tyres, which can be 1 of the simplest car components to maintain. And in the unfortunate case of having to put in a car insurance claim, it could mean the difference between paying out of your own pocket and letting your insurer handle the costs for you.
If you don’t already have car insurance, then it’s worth considering getting the cover to help you with unexpected car-related costs. Why not compare quotes from top insurers, like King Price? They offer affordable cover where your premiums will decrease every month in line with the depreciation of your car, as well as award-winning service.
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Road Safety & Tyre Safety – In a car your only contact with the road surface is the size of 4 A4 pages!! Let it be a safe contact! https://t.co/n3saBLH1j6 #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/ht7LXkTNKh
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) December 18, 2017