Your tyres are the only part of your car that actually touches the road. This small contact patch is responsible for your safety, fuel efficiency, and overall ride comfort. For drivers navigating the streets of Hull, paying close attention to tyre pressure, tread depth, and wheel alignment is not just good practice—it’s essential. These three elements work together to ensure your car handles predictably and safely, no matter the conditions.
Why Your Tyres, Tread, and Alignment Matter
Properly maintained tyres do more than just get you from A to B. They provide the grip needed for braking and cornering, help soak up bumps in the road, and can even save you money at the fuel pump. When your tyre pressure is correct, your tread is sufficient, and your wheels are aligned, you get optimal performance. Ignoring them can lead to poor handling, increased stopping distances, and a higher risk of accidents, especially in wet or icy weather.
What is the Correct Tyre Pressure & How Do You Check It?
Tyre pressure is one of the easiest, yet most commonly overlooked, aspects of car maintenance.
The Importance of Correct Pressure
Driving with under-inflated or over-inflated tyres is dangerous and costly.
- Under-inflated tyres can overheat, leading to a blowout. They also increase rolling resistance, which makes your engine work harder and burns more fuel.
- Over-inflated tyres reduce the amount of rubber in contact with the road, decreasing grip. They also cause a harsher ride and lead to accelerated wear in the centre of the tread.
How to Check Your Tyre Pressure
- Find the Right Pressure: Your car’s recommended tyre pressure can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb, in the fuel filler cap, or in your vehicle handbook. Note that front and rear tyres may require different pressures.
- Use a Pressure Gauge: Check your tyres when they are cold for an accurate reading. Unscrew the valve cap, press the gauge firmly onto the valve, and read the pressure.
- Inflate or Deflate: Use an air compressor (available at most petrol stations) to add air if the pressure is low. If it’s too high, press the pin in the centre of the valve to release air until it’s at the correct level. Check the pressure again to confirm.
Legal Requirements for Tyre Tread Depth in the UK
Your tyre tread is designed to channel water away from the contact patch, maintaining grip on wet roads. As the tread wears down, its ability to do this decreases significantly.
In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth for cars is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread and around the entire circumference of the tyre. Driving with tyres below this limit is not only illegal—carrying a hefty fine and penalty points on your licence—but also extremely dangerous. A simple way to check your tread depth is with a 20p coin. Insert it into the main tread grooves; if you can see the outer band of the coin, your tread may be too low, and it’s time to get your tyres checked professionally.
The Sneaky Signs of Poor Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment, or tracking, refers to the angle of your wheels in relation to each other and the car’s body. Hitting a pothole or kerb can easily knock it out of adjustment. Signs of misalignment include:
- Uneven Tyre Wear: This is the most common symptom. You might see the inside or outside edge of a tyre wearing down much faster than the rest.
- The Car Pulling to One Side: If you have to constantly correct the steering wheel to keep the car driving straight on a flat road, your alignment is likely off.
- A Crooked Steering Wheel: The steering wheel should be centred when you are driving in a straight line.
- Vibration: Misalignment can cause vibrations that you feel through the steering wheel, especially at higher speeds.
How Hull’s Roads Impact Your Tyres and Alignment
The unique driving conditions in and around Hull can take a toll on your tyres.
- Potholes and Uneven Surfaces: Hull’s roads, like many in the UK, can be rough. Hitting a pothole can damage the tyre itself or, more commonly, knock your wheel alignment out of sync.
- Weather and Salt: The damp climate and winter road salting can accelerate the ageing of the rubber on your tyres.
- Urban Driving: Frequent stopping, starting, and turning in city traffic increases the rate of tyre wear compared to motorway driving.
Regularly checking your tyres and alignment is crucial to combat these local factors and keep your car safe and efficient.
Tyre and Alignment Services at Hull City Tyres
At Hull City Tyres, we are your local experts for everything tyre-related. We offer a comprehensive range of services to keep you safe on the road.
- Free Tyre Checks: Unsure about your tread depth or pressure? Pop in for a complimentary check. Our technicians will inspect your tyres for wear, damage, and correct pressure, offering honest, no-obligation advice.
- Professional Wheel Alignment: Using state-of-the-art laser alignment equipment, we can precisely measure and adjust your car’s tracking. A proper alignment will improve handling, increase tyre life, and boost fuel economy.
- Tread Inspections and Tyre Fitting: We stock a wide range of quality tyres to suit all budgets and vehicles. Our team will help you choose the right ones and fit them professionally.
Maintenance Tips for Tyre Longevity
- Check Pressures Monthly: Make it a regular habit to check your tyre pressures when the tyres are cold.
- Rotate Your Tyres: Swap your front and rear tyres every 6,000 miles to promote even wear.
- Check Alignment Annually: Have your wheel alignment checked once a year, or immediately after hitting a large pothole or kerb.
- Drive Smoothly: Avoid harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and sharp cornering to reduce unnecessary wear.
Conclusion
Your tyres are a vital investment in your safety. By regularly checking your tyre pressure, tread, and alignment, you can ensure your car is perfectly optimised for Hull’s roads. If you have any concerns about your tyres or feel your car isn’t handling as it should, visit the friendly team at Hull City Tyres for a professional inspection.
