Tyres
Higher speed
Tyres tend to create a squealing noise at higher speeds.
At higher speeds, the air flow underneath a car reduces its tyre grip on the road.
Tyre pressure
Drivers should ensure that tyre pressure is correct and in line with the car manufacturer's recommendations.
Tyre pressure should be checked regularly - in essence, as much as possible.
The main reason for maintaining the correct tyre pressure is to help provide optimum road holding.
Wearing of tyres
A fault in a car's suspension can lead to excessive wearing of tyres.
Under-inflated tyres can affect (increase) a car's fuel consumption.
Tyre pressure should only be checked when the tyres are cold.
Worn tyres should be replaced as soon as they are identified.
Hitting a kerb could damage the side walls of a car's tyres.
Worn thread along the edge of the inside of a tyre can suggest that steering alignment is faulty.
Before starting a long journey, drivers should check that their tyres are inflated to normal air pressure.
When taking a journey with additional passengers, a driver should increase the air pressure in their car's tyres.
Under-inflated tyres are the most common cause of heavy steering.
Tyre Depth
1.6 millimetres.
Load Index
Indicates the maximum load that a tyre can carry.
Tyre grip
Decreased when driving across railway or tram lines.
Road markings can affect tyre grip in wet weather.
Tyres lose their grip in wet weather or oil and diesel spillages making it more difficult to stop.
Burst tyre
Grip a steering wheel firmly if the front tyre of a car bursts.
If a tyre bursts when a car is on the road, the driver apply the footbrake gently and bring the car to a halt at a suitable place to stop.
A front tyre blow-out will cause the steering wheel to pull to one side.
A rear tyre blow-out will cause the car to veer from side to side.
Speed rating
Maximum speed for which a tyre is designed.
Braking and cornering are impaired by low tyre pressure.
A flat tyre will make a scraping noise.