TIRE
ENVOY HIGHLIGHTS VEHICLE MAINTENANCE CHECKS AHEAD OF LONG WEEKEND TRAVEL
Motorists will be gearing up for a weekend of sunny road travel as we edge towards the May Bank Holiday. With the ongoing fuel crisis and airlines cancelling flights, many may be opting for UK staycations instead. So, with the long weekend in our sights and the weather forecast looking promising, many of us will be hitting the road!
Ahead of the bank holiday weekend break, households will be busy packing their suitcases and filling the boot of the car, but many forget that it’s important to ensure their vehicle is ready for the weekend drive.
To help keep motorists and their passengers on the move this May Bank Holiday, Envoy – a tyre brand with a relentless focus on driving better value and reliability for everyone – and their automotive expert, Paul Cowland, share their top maintenance checks.
- Check for visible damage
Paul comments: Visible tyre checks should be done at least once a month and become even more important after winter, as potholes are often a challenge on the road. Look out for any deformations – cuts, bumps, bulges – and check any you find with a tyre professional to be on the safe side.
Damage like this can compromise a tyre’s ability to maintain proper contact with the road, leading to reduced grip, as well as an increased risk of blowouts or sudden tyre failure.
- The 20p hack to check your tread depth
Driving without sufficient tread depth puts you, your passengers and other motorists on the road in danger. Having the legal depth of tread, which is 1.6mm in the UK, improves grip, handling, and most importantly, safety.
The 20p test is a simple, quick and easy way of checking your tyre tread. Just take a 20p coin and insert it into the tread grooves on the tyre. If the outer band of the coin is hidden, your tyres are above the legal limit. If the band is visible, it’s time for some new tyres as soon as possible.
- Don’t overload your car
It can be something that doesn’t always cross your mind, but if you’re planning to travel with a full car – passengers, a boot-load of shopping, presents or food – your tyres will be working harder than usual.
Tyres must be able to support the total weight of the vehicle in order for them to operate to their maximum performance, so it’s important to inflate them to the correct pressures. Any strain on underinflated tyres will cause uneven wear and a compromise in the running of the vehicle.
If you do need to carry a heavier load than normal, adjust your tyre pressure accordingly. The correct levels can be found in the car’s handbook or inside the driver’s door.
- Pack emergency essentials
Ensure your car is stocked with essentials in case of an emergency and you have easy access to:
o First-aid kit
o Car battery jump leads
o Torch and extra batteries
o Water, food and SPF in case of any roadside waiting
o Roadside recovery contact details
- Plan your journey
Before hitting the road, plan your route to ensure you’re familiar with the best roads, service stations, and potential detours. If you’re travelling in unknown areas, make sure you familiarise yourself with the route, to help avoid stress along the way. Also, make sure your vehicle’s navigation system is up to date if you are using it for your journey, to ensure you reach your destination stress free!
