Tyre Safety Checklist Before Every Season Change
Tyre Safety Checklist Before Every Season Change
Every season comes with new road challenges. As summer brings scorching heat, winter covers streets with snow, and autumn leaves make the road slippery. We change our wardrobe as well as our daily lifestyle, one major thing always overlooked is Vehicle Tyres. It must be known that the season not only affects driving conditions but its tyres are also affected; that's why knowing the tyre safety checklist before every season change is important.
By following a few simple steps, you can prepare your vehicle tyres to stand up to any weather and maintain them for optimal performance. This guide is going to be all about the Tyre Safety Checklist Before Every Season Change that will protect you, your passenger and your investment. Stay connected.
List of Tyre Safety Checklists Before Every Season Change
- Check Tyre Pressure
- Inspect Tread Depth
- Examine Tyre Sidewalls
- Check for Uneven Wear
- Inspect Valve Stems
- Rotate Tyres
- Seasonal Tyre Change
- Check Wheel Alignment & Balancing
- Clean Tyres & Remove Debris
- Check Tyre Age
Check Tyre Pressure
As we all know, tire pressure changes with temperature changes. In cold weather, tyres start losing pressure, and in summer, tyre pressure starts increasing. That's why, before every season, always check the tyre pressure.
Why Tyre Pressure Matters: Incorrect tyre pressure can affect the grip and fuel efficiency.
What should you do?
- During cold weather, always check tyre pressure
- Follow the PSI recommended by the manufacturer
- Keep the spare part in your vehicle
Inspect Tread Depth
The tread depth inspection is essential for traction, especially for wet or icy roads. 3mm tread depth is essential for safety. Let's see how to check it:
- Use the penny test
- Look for tread wear indicators
- Replace tyres in case of low tread
Examine Tyre Sidewalls
It is most important to examine the tyre sidewalls because they can easily develop cracks and cuts due to debris or age. Ignoring this can lead to tyre blowouts. Before every season, always check for:
- Cracks or cuts
- Bulges or blisters
- Dry rot
If you find any damage, then replace the tire immediately.
Check for Uneven Wear
Always check uneven wear, because it can indicate alignment and suspension problems. Here are some major patterns that you should watch:
- Inner outer edge wear - Misalignment
- Center wear - Over Inflation
- Edge Wear - Under Inflation
- Patchy Wear - Suspension Issues
Inspect Valve Stems
Valve systems are working to keep the tyres inflated properly. If any damage occurs here, it can lead to slow leaks. It can be unnoticed easily, that's why I always inspect it before every season. Here are some major things that you should look for:
- Cracks or damage
- Loose or missing valve caps
- Hissing sounds indicate air leakage
Rotate Tyres
Always ensure that the rotation of tyres is even. By addressing uneven tyre rotation on time, you can easily extend their lifespan. Recommended rotation is 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres at the start of every season.
Seasonal Tyre Change
With extreme weather, it is important to change vehicle tires seasonally. Multiple tires work according to the reason. Let's see:
- Winter Tyres: Offers better grip on ice and cold roads.
- Summer Tyres: specially optimized for hot and dry roads.
- All-Season Tyres: Suitable for medium climates, but it is important to inspect them seasonally.
Check Wheel Alignment & Balancing
Misaligned wheels and unbalanced tyres can also create a big problem during driving, that is why it is recommended to check the wheels and tyres properly. Avoiding this issue can lead to reduced handling and vibration.
Clean Tyres & Remove Debris
Road debris can easily lodge in the treads and reduce traction, which can cause damage to tyres over time. Here are some ways to clean:
- Wash tyres with mild soap & water
- Remove stones, mud and leaves from the tyre
- Dry tyres thoroughly to prevent cracking
Check Tyre Age
Sometimes, tires appear fine, but their rubber can degrade over time. That's why it is recommended to check the tyre age. Here are some ways to check in:
- Look for the DOT code on the side wall, its last four digits indicate the week and year
- Replace tyres every 5-6 years
- Always note that old tyres are more prone to cracks and damage, especially in extreme weather conditions.
Final Thought
Keeping tyre maintenance is a small effort, but it can create a big problem if it keeps them unnoticed. By following the above-mentioned tyre safety checklist before every season change, you can easily keep your tyres ready for any weather and prevent your vehicle from any accident. While driving, always keep one thing in mind that is, tires are the lifeline of vehicles on the road and keeping them running smoothly is essential.
FAQ about Tyre Safety Checklist Before Every Season Change
Q. How often does a complete seasonal tyre check take?
Answer: Basically, a seasonal tyre checkup takes 15-20 minutes, including inspection of tread depth, checking air pressure, looking for cracks & making sure that all tyres are seasonal ready.
Q. How much time should we check tire pressure?
Answer: We should check tyre pressure once a month and before the start of any new season.
Q. Should we check the spare tyre too?
Answer: Absolutely yes, you should check the spare tire too. It is most forgotten but plays a most crucial role.
Q. What is the common mistake that drivers ever make regarding seasonal tire change?
Answer: Most of the vehicle owners make one common mistake, and that is delaying in tire change or assuming that tires look fine. It is most important to check tires regularly and replace them when needed.
Q. Do we have to visit a mechanic to check the tyre?
Answer: Not every time, you can perform basic check tires like pressure, visible damage and tread depth. It is also recommended to visit a technician once in every season.