These tips will help keep you and your vehicle motoring

<p>Breakdown recovery services are called to more tyre-related incidents than practically any other. BUT, many of these could easily be prevented by regular checks.</p><p>Last year, TyreSafe conducted the UK's largest survey of tyre tread depths at the point of replacement. The results showed that more than a quarter of motorists were replacing their tyres when they were already illegal - that equates to potentially nearly 10 million illegal and dangerous tyres on Britain's roads in 2015. A previous survey showed one in five motorists have NEVER checked their tyres.</p><p>So stay safe and on the right side of the law with our tyre safety FAQs. </p><p><h2>I&rsquo;m about to go on a long drive, how do I check that my tyres are safe?</h2></p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q1PMh-8x6sk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p><p>Remeber to <strong>ACT</strong>! Check your tyre's <strong>A</strong>ir pressure, <strong>C</strong>ondition and <strong>T</strong>read depth.</p><p>Air pressure - A vehicle&rsquo;s tyre pressure will almost certainly need to be increased when it&rsquo;s fully loaded. You&rsquo;ll find the correct levels in the door shut, fuel filler cap or the owner&rsquo;s manual.</p><p>Condition - Check all tyres for any lumps, bumps or cracking in the sidewall, along with any objects, like nails, which may be embedded. If you see any of these issues, contact a professional who can advise you whether they tyre needs replacing.</p><p><h2>What should my correct tyre pressure be?</h2></p><p><img alt="tyre-pressure-2__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/tyre-pressure-2__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><p>The vehicle manufacturer decides what the correct tyre pressure should be after rigorous testing.  You'll find the correct pressure for your vehicle on the inside of your petrol cap, inside the door pillar and in the vehicle handbook. You should check your tyre pressure at least once a month to ensure your tyres are safe at all times even if your vehicle has a TPMS.</p><p><h2>I need to order new tyres - but what tyre size do I need?</h2></p><p><img alt="tyre_on_a_blue_car__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/tyre_on_a_blue_car__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><p>You'll find the tyre size on the side of your current tyres. The tyre size looks something like '225/45r18 91w'. It's important to check both front and rear tyres as sizes can be different.</p><p>Asda Tyres can also help you find these - simply enter your registration number on our <a href="http://www.asdatyres.co.uk/" target="_blank">tyre homepage</a> and we'll show you a range of tyres suitable for your vehicle.</p><p><h2>What should I do if I hit a kerb?</h2></p><p><img alt="car-curb-2__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/car-curb-2__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><p>The most common damage is to the side of the tyre and it gets ‘pinched&rsquo; between the wheel rim and the kerb. Check for scuff marks but be aware severe damage can create bulges due to the tyre being weakened substantially. If all appears to be ok, you should check your tyres every day following the incident just in case there is a loss of pressure from damage which can&rsquo;t be seen. Check with a professional if any of these issues appear or if the car is pulling to one side as the alignment or balance may have been affected.</p><p><h2>Why does my steering wheel vibrate at higher speeds?</h2></p><p><img alt="steering-wheel-car-2__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/steering-wheel-car-2__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><p>The most common cause is likely to be an imbalance in a wheel/tyre combination or tyre wear, although wheel alignment is also possible. If you notice a vibration, it's important you ask a garage to check this for you. If left unchecked, the long-term effect could be damage to suspension components, higher fuel consumption, steering and braking problems.</p><p><h2>Do I need to carry a spare tyre?</h2></p><p><img alt="tyre-in-car-bonnet__hero" class="ci-image ci-hero" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/tyre-in-car-bonnet__hero_GL?scl=1"></p><p>Surprisingly, very few cars are now sold with a spare wheel &ndash; in fact, it&rsquo;s only about 8%. Instead, ‘space-saver&rsquo; wheels can be fitted or even temporary puncture repair kits to get you to the nearest tyre centre. You should be familiar with whichever of these is in your vehicle, so check before you go on your next journey. If you do have a spare, then ensure it&rsquo;s in good condition and at the right pressure when you check your other tyres.</p><p><em>For the answer to all your tyre questions and tyre fitting needs, our <a href="https://www.asdatyres.co.uk/">online tyre centre</a> can help </em></p>

What you need to know to stay tyre safe on the roads

By Asda Good Living,8th March 2017

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