CHECK YOUR TYRES
Tyres are one of the most important factors in traffic safety. Whatever type of vehicle you drive, tyres make a big difference in how your vehicle feels, and how it handles. Tyres affect your braking, your comfort, even your fuel economy. Especially with wet weather conditions approaching, now is the best time to make sure that your tyres are fit for winter conditions.
In general, tyre maintenance is carried out using the PART rule: Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread. Here are some tips for each:
P PRESSURE |
Check
tyre pressure including spare tyre at least one in
every 15 days. Make sure the pressure fits the
specifications for your vehicle. Pressures should
always be checked when the tyres are cold. There is a misconception saying that you should reduce air pressure in tyres when it snows, so that you tyres get a better grip on the roads. THIS IS NOT TRUE. If the pressure is too high, the surface are touching the road is less, therefore grip is reduced, however, the same is true if the pressure is too low, because the middle of the tyre sags and is lifted off the road. |
A ALIGNMENT |
Is
your vehicle pulling to one side, or shaking? Incorrect alignment causes tyre wear and often results in your car pulling to one side. Hitting the curb or just one bad hole in the road is enough to destroy the alignment of the wheels. Incorrect balancing causes a vibration and also adds to tyre wear. Both problems need expert, immediate attention. See your nearest tyre dealer or mechanic. |
R ROTATION |
Rotate
the wheels around! To achieve uniform wear, replace the front wheels with the rear wheels every 5,000 to 10,000 km maximum. |
T TREAD |
Tread
is the condition of the outer surface of your tyres. If the rubber on the tread is worn down to the ridges the tyres must be changed. Insert a matchstick into the grooves on the outer surface. If the head of the match does not disappear completely wherever you insert, the tyre is unsafe. Visually check your tires for uneven wear, looking for high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Also check for signs of local damage. |
And finally, remember that roads are extra slippery at the start of a rain shower because oil, which has risen to the road surface, has not had a chance to wash away. Heavy rains will cause more problems because your tyres can begin to hydroplane like water skis. In this case, the only way to keep your tyres in contact with the road is to SLOW DOWN.
DRIVE SLOWLY. DRIVE CAREFULLY. HELP US MAKE THE ROADS SAFER.
Bilkent University Traffic Committee