You should not underestimate the importance of good tyres and what they do for your car, so why are tyres important?
They are the only contact between you and the road.
Good tyres are first of all your guarantee for a safe and comfortable ride.
Each tyre touches the road surface on an area that is approximately the size of a postcard.
Supporting your car: the four tyres and the air inside them support the weight of your car.
Absorbing road shocks: the air or nitrogen in the tyres act as a spring and this dramatically increases your comfort.
Transmitting traction and braking forces: thanks to the tyres, you can drive... and stop (see below).
Steering: changing the tyre angle steers the vehicle.
You should not underestimate the importance of BAD tyres and how BAD they are for your car
Poor tyres can reduce the performance of your car.
Poor tyres can increase your stopping distance and raise the risk of skidding.
Furthermore, underinflated or worn tyres increase fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
What can I do to prevent damage?
Regularly check the ideal pressure of your tyres this information is available in your car's manual. You can find the ideal pressure in your car’s manual.
Always do this when the tyres are cold and once a month.
Underinflated tyres will give you less control, can increase the braking distance and will wear much faster.
Overinflated tyres are just as dangerous: they reduce grip, braking is less stable and you have less control, which can lead to dangerous situations. Find out more on tyre pressure.
Regularly check the condition of your tyres. If you see signs of damage or cracks, consult Motorvation in Northampton as soon as possible.
If your tyre receives a large impact, for example from a pothole, it’s always best to come and see us where external and internal damages can be checked.
Regularly check the depth for the tyre tread. The legal minimum is 1.6 mm for normal tyres. However, it is best to change tyres when it is less than 3 mm, or 4 mm for winter tyres. More on changing tyres.
If you hear any unusual sounds or if your car vibrates, it is best to have the balance of the tyres and the wheel alignment checked. In any case, we would advise having this checked every 10,000 kilometres. Read more about balancing and alignment.
Make sure you keep them in top-notch condition and seek advice when you have a question. We will be glad to help you.
