What You Should Know About Changing A Car Tyre

A flat car tyre is never convenient and always seems to occur at the worst possible time. However, it can be relatively easy to change with a little preparation.

You should have a spare tyre that comes with your car when you buy it. However, this is not always the case with some models and dealerships, which is why you should ensure you have bought tyres in Glasgow before long trips and motorway drives.

Check The Tread Depth

Safe braking, acceleration and steering all require traction between your vehicle’s tires and the road surface. As the rubber wears down, your tires’ ability to grip the road decreases. 

If you’re unsure whether your tire tread is still adequate, use a 20 pence coin to check: insert a penny between your tire ribs. If the band of the 20p is obstructed then your tread is above limit.

Another sign that it’s time to replace your car tyres is uneven tread wear. If one side of the tyre has comparatively more wear than the other, this is called feathering and can indicate issues with wheel alignment (toe-in or toe-out). The best way to check for uneven wear is by using a tyre tread depth gauge. 

Check The Pressure

Every tyre has a recommended pressure and it is important to check this regularly. You can do this with an inexpensive, accurate tire gauge which you should have in your car. 

Remove the end cap from each tyre valve (don’t lose it!) and place the tire pressure gauge against the valve stem. Press down quickly and firmly to get a reading then compare with the manufacturers recommendation.

Check Tyre Pressure Gauge

Every car has a specific tire pressure range specified by the manufacturer. It’s important to check the pressure on a regular basis, as underinflation or overinflation can reduce fuel efficiency and impact performance.

Most tyre pressure gauges look like little pen-like meters with a hose attachment that attaches to the valve stem. The tip of the hose has a small pin that presses against the valve stem, releasing air and allowing you to read the pressure. Some gauges have a dial with a needle that moves to indicate the pressure, while others are digital.

Alignment

Look for a sign of uneven wear patterns on your car tyres – one side being worn down more than the other can indicate a problem with your wheel alignment or the vehicle’s set up. If this is a problem it can usually be corrected with a simple adjustment. Also, make sure to look for any cuts or cracks on the sidewall – these can compromise the physical integrity of your car tyre.

Final Thoughts

You can always rely on services like the AA to fit your tyre if you are stuck at the side of the road. However, these services can take time to come, which is why it is always recommended that you learn how to change a tyre on your own to save you time relying on a recovery service.