Spring has arrived, and with it comes warmer weather, longer days, and the start of the driving season. It is also the perfect time to give your tyres a proper check-over. Winter can be harsh on tyres, and spring is when many drivers switch from winter to summer tyres — or discover they need new ones.
Here at AVS Bransgore, we see a spike in tyre replacements every spring. Many of these could have been avoided with a simple check a few weeks earlier. Here is what you need to know about spring tyre care.
Check Your Tyre Tread Depth
The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. However, we recommend replacing tyres at 2mm for safety. Worn tyres have less grip, especially in wet conditions, and are more likely to puncture or fail.
Use the 20p coin test: insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves. If you can see the outer band of the coin, your tread is below 2mm and it is time to replace them.
Winter tyres wear faster than summer tyres, especially if you have been doing a lot of motorway driving. If you used winter tyres over the winter, check their tread before storing them for next year.
Inspect for Damage
Winter roads are rough on tyres. Check each tyre for:
- **Cuts or gouges:** Any cut deeper than 6mm or wider than 25mm is dangerous and the tyre should be replaced.
- **Bulges or blisters:** These indicate internal damage and the tyre must be replaced immediately.
- **Uneven wear:** If one tyre is more worn than others, you may have a wheel alignment problem. Uneven wear reduces tyre life and affects handling.
- **Cracks in the sidewall:** Sidewall cracks mean the tyre structure is compromised. Replace it.
Check Your Tyre Pressures
Temperature changes affect tyre pressure. As the weather warms up, the air inside your tyres expands, increasing pressure. Conversely, cold mornings can temporarily lower pressure.
Check your tyre pressures when the tyres are cold (before driving or at least three hours after driving). The correct pressure for your car is printed on a label inside the driver's door or in your owner's manual — not on the tyre itself.
Correct tyre pressure is important for:
- **Safety:** Underinflated tyres overheat and are more prone to blowouts. Overinflated tyres have less grip.
- **Fuel economy:** Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy.
- **Tyre life:** Incorrect pressure causes uneven wear and shortens tyre lifespan.
Consider Winter to Summer Tyre Changeover
If you used winter tyres over the winter, spring is the time to switch back to summer tyres. Summer tyres are designed for warmer weather and have better grip on dry roads. Winter tyres are softer and wear faster in warm weather.
We recommend switching when daytime temperatures consistently reach 7°C or above. In Hampshire and Dorset, this is usually mid-April.
Wheel Alignment Check
If you noticed uneven tyre wear over winter, get your wheel alignment checked. Misalignment causes tyres to wear unevenly and can affect handling and fuel economy. A wheel alignment check takes about 30 minutes and costs from £40 to £60.
The Bottom Line
Spring tyre maintenance is quick, inexpensive, and could save your life. A few minutes checking tread depth, pressure, and damage now could prevent a breakdown or accident later.
At AVS Bransgore, we offer tyre checks, replacements, and wheel alignment. We stock a wide range of summer and winter tyres at competitive prices. Book online or call us on 01425 200826 for a free tyre check.
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