The mid-year school holidays are a time for families to enjoy a well-deserved break together. But before you head off on your road trip, make sure your vehicle, and especially your tyres, are ready for the journey.
“Your tyres are the only part of your car that actually touch the road, so their condition has a direct impact on your safety,” explains Dean Horn, Managing Director of Super Tyres. “Worn, underinflated or damaged tyres are a serious risk – especially on long trips or in wet weather.”
To help ensure a safe and smooth holiday journey, Horn recommends the P.A.D.D. checklist (pressure, age, damage, and depth) when evaluating the condition of your tyres.
- Pressure: Driving with incorrect pressure affects your car’s handling and braking, especially in wet weather. It also increases fuel consumption and tyre wear. Tyres are designed to carry specific loads at specific pressures, so always refer to your vehicle’s recommended tyre pressure. You can usually find this information inside the driver’s door, under the bonnet, or inside the fuel cap. Always check pressure when tyres are cold, as driving heats up the air inside, altering the internal pressure.
- Age: Tyres have a limited lifespan. As they age, the rubber becomes brittle, which compromises grip and can lead to casing failure. Check the date code on the tyre sidewall to ensure they’re not older than five years. For instance, a code reading “1921” means the tyre was made in the ninetieth week of 2021, making it just over four years old.
- Damage: Regularly inspect your tyres for any signs of wear or damage, such as cuts, bulges, or uneven wear patterns. It’s crucial that all four tyres (and the spare) match the specifications for your vehicle – size, speed rating, and load index.
- Depth: Worn tyres pose significant safety risks, especially in wet conditions. Check the tread wear indicators to ensure your tyres have sufficient depth to grip the road. South African law requires a minimum tread depth of 1mm across the tyre, but for safety, 1.6mm or more is recommended.
In addition to the P.A.D.D. checklist, Horn advises motorists to:
- Check wheel alignment and shocks: Poor alignment causes uneven tyre wear and affects your ability to steer safely. Similarly, worn shocks compromise your car’s road grip – especially when braking or cornering. If your car veers to one side, feels bouncy or has uneven tyre wear, get it checked before your trip.
- Stick to the load limit: Overloading your vehicle puts additional strain on your tyres which can lead to excessive tyre heat build-up and increases the risk of tyre failure. Always ensure that your tyres meet the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications for load and speed rating.
- Rotate tyres regularly: Rotating your tyres every 10,000km and checking alignment can extend their lifespan and improve your car’s fuel efficiency.
“Tyre safety is not just about avoiding breakdowns, it’s about protecting your family on the road,” says Horn. “If you’re unsure about the condition of your tyres, have them checked by a specialist for peace of mind.”
Before you pack the snacks and playlists, take a moment to check your tyres – it’s one of the simplest ways to keep your loved ones safe on the road.
