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Best tyre tips

Tyre pressures should be checked when they are cold to get an accurate reading.

1. All tyres slowly deflate over a period of time, therefore tyre pressures should be checked every 2-3 weeks.

2. Tyre pressures should only be checked when they are cold. Your vehicle's recommended tyre pressures are located on a placard usually on the inside edge of the driver's door.

3. Although the minimum amount of tread required for a car to be roadworthy is 1.6 mm, it's wise to replace tyres at 2 mm, as wet-weather grip is diminished when there is only a small amount of tread.

4. To check tread depth, put a match head into the tread grooves, and if any part of the head shows above the grooves it's time to replace the tyre. Tread depth cards are also available free from your local Bob Jane T-Mart.

5. Regularly check tyres for wear such as tears or bruises on sidewalls as well as embedded objects like nails or stones as they may lead to a puncture.

6. To keep water and dirt out of tyre valves replace missing tyre valve caps.

7. Regular wheel balances ensure your tyres run smoothly on the road which helps to improve your vehicle's control, especially on wet roads.

8. Wheel alignments and rotations maximise the life of your tyres by ensuring your tyres wear evenly.

9. Match the same tyre treads on the same axle. Different brands grip differently which can cause handling problems if mismatched.

10. And most importantly with all these checks...Don't forget the spare!