Feeling deflated?

In spite of the fact that it is very possible we are not using our vehicles to the same degree as before lockdown, you still need to maintain a routine of regular checks on your vehicle so it is ready for use at all times.

• Consider when was the last time you checked your road vehicle tyre pressures? It is recommended that you check monthly and (usually) before every long Running your tyres at lower pressures can cause a number of issues:

• Increased braking distance.
• Diminished cornering performance.
• Greater risk of a blow out at speed.
• More susceptible to puncturing.
• Uneven and premature wear.
• Increased fuel consumption.

Underinflated tyres also cause issues with electronically controlled AWD systems, as the ABS system on each wheel is measuring the rotation of the wheel, soft tyres will have a different rpm, which can result in transmission damage.

In addition to the monthly check, keep an eye on your vehicles Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) (where fitted). If this triggers a warning on the dashboard then you should stop as soon as you can to have a visual check. If it isn’t obvious which tyre has deflated, then check your tyre pressures as soon as you can in order to identify the tyre and check for causes of the deflation. TPMS systems have been fitted to all passenger vehicles since November 2014.

As part of the Governments response to the Covid-19 outbreak, MOT expiry dates have been extended by 6 months. Your MOT certificate will automatically be extended by 6 months if it was due to expire on or after 30 March 2020 and your vehicle is a car, motorcycle, light van or other light vehicle. This will be done about 7 days before it’s due to expire. For more information please visit http://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus

Remember:

• This MOT extension does not remove the need for you to maintain your vehicle in a road worthy condition, including tyre tread depth.

• 47% of tyres changed on Tilhill company vehicles in past 12 months were below the legal minimum of 1.6mm

A recent example of the damage caused by running an under inflated tyre can be seen below. The tyre was punctured and the pressure dropped slowly. Once it had been identified and the tyre fitter removed the tyre the internal damage was obvious, although the external side walls of the tyre didn’t show the damage.