The tire pressure must always correspond with the pressure recommended by the car manufacturer. This should be checked at least every 14 days, and then again before long journeys. And make sure you don't forget the spare tire. Always check your tires when they are cold as pressures rise as tires warm-up in use. Under inflating causes tire overheating and this can result in irreparable internal damage. What's more, it may even lead ultimately to tire deterioration.
Tire damage can also be caused by heavy impacts such as driving against curbs or over potholes in the road. Prolonged use on bad surfaces is also to be avoided: Tires can be very unforgiving!
Check your tires regularly for damage, abrasions, cuts, cracks, blisters, etc. Foreign objects which have penetrated the tires can also lead to internal damage. In any of these cases, damage must be investigated by a tire specialist as it can considerably shorten the life of your tires.
Never fit used tires unless you are sure of their past history. Tires age even if they have not been used Or have only been used occasionally. Cracks in the tread or in the sidewall rubber, sometimes accompanied by deformation of the carcass, are a sure sign of aging. Have your old tires checked by a tire specialist so that you can be certain they are still suitable for further use.
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Take care of your spare tires
Whatever their condition, tires older than six years fitted on tires must be thoroughly checked. Spare tires deserve extra attention: They are frequently old or aged. In such cases, always use them with caution and ensure they are replaced as soon as possible.
The tread depth should be regularly checked; the less the tread-depth, the greater the risk of skidding. There are wear indicators in the tread which show how close the tire is to its wear limit. These become visible at a tread depth of 1.6 mm. Drive extra carefully on wet roads.
If you get a puncture, it is imperative to stop as soon as possible and change the tire. Besides the obvious safety considerations, continuing to drive on an under-inflated tire can cause structural deterioration. Punctured tires must always be removed from the wheel to check for secondary damage.
If it is necessary and feasible to repair a tire, it must be carried out by a tire specialist as soon as possible to avoid any structural deterioration. All tire repairs must be entrusted to a tire specialist who will take full responsibility for the examination and the work carried out on the tire.
