Winter checks 42 www.aftermarketonline.net DECEMBER/JANUARY 2025 Living in a modern society where we rely on all kinds of technology to keep us safe on the road, from lane departure warning, anti-lock braking and tyre pressure monitoring systems, you’d be forgiven for getting complacent when it comes to manually checking basic elements of your car regularly, including tyres. Tyre manufacturers spend years in the tyre development process at leading engineering facilities before we see them travelling at speed on a motorway, but motorists still need to complete tyre health checks regularly to ensure they are safe and legally compliant. Davanti Tyres’ general manager Peter Cross said: “Davanti tyres are designed in the UK by industry experts and rigorously tested in summer and winter conditions across up to 40 disciplines, with over 2,450 engineers and technical experts working on testing and pushing the tyres to their limits. “However, once tyres are on a vehicle and being used regularly, the owner must take responsibility for doing regular maintenance checks, too.” Davanti advises garages to remind motorists that, once a month, they should check tyre pressures and do a visual tyre inspection On tread depth, the ‘20p test’ is a simple way for drivers to check. If you can’t see the outer band on the coin when inserted into the tread grooves, the tyres are above the legal limit. Be mindful when mounting the kerb. Motorists can easily knock wheels out of alignment by bumping into a kerb or hitting a pothole. Incorrectly aligned tyres can result in uneven wear, which can weaken them and make them more prone to damage. It can also reduce the driver’s control over the car and increase fuel consumption. Tread carefully and think tyres! As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, the importance of ensuring vehicles are equipped with tyres that can handle harsh weather conditions becomes even more crucial, says Kumho Tyre UK. The established tyre manufacturer is therefore urging tyre retailers, garages and fitters to prioritise tyre maintenance and preparation as part of their winter checks as the colder months approach. With winter weather bringing freezing temperatures, prolonged wet conditions and even the threat of snow, tyre safety is not only about performance on dry roads. Ensuring that vehicles are fitted with tyres that offer optimal traction, wet handling and durability can make the difference between a safe journey and one fraught with risks. As Kumho advises, maintaining tyres in top condition is not just an essential task, it’s a critical component of road safety, especially in the unpredictable conditions of a British winter. Poorly-maintained tyres, such as those with insufficient tread depth, improper inflation or signs of damage. can significantly impair handling, braking and overall safety, particularly when roads are icy, wet or slushy. Kumho is highlighting that winter tyres, or all-season tyres that are specifically designed for all weather conditions, can offer substantial benefits over standard tyres. Products such as Kumho’s WinterCraft WP52 and WP72 offer excellent grip in snowy and icy conditions, with enhanced braking capabilities that make them a crucial part of any vehicle’s winter preparedness. And the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification ensures they are equipped to handle severe snow conditions, making them an essential choice for drivers living in areas prone to heavy snow. One of the most significant factors in maintaining tyre performance during winter is ensuring the correct pressure is maintained. Cold temperatures can cause tyre pressure to drop, leading to reduced tyre performance and increased risk of tyre damage. Kumho urges that tyre professionals should advise customers to regularly check tyre pressures, as maintaining the correct level can help to avoid rapid tread wear and poor handling, both of which can compromise safety. Additionally, tyres designed for all conditions, such as Kumho’s all-season Solus HA32, offer good traction no matter the weather, providing yearround performance. The high-density sipes within the tread also enhance performance on roads that are colder or prone to freezing. Regular maintenance ensures that tyres are in optimal condition and can handle the increased demands of the winter season, says Kumho. Richard Lyons, MD of Kumho Tyre UK, said: “The winter months are a crucial time for the industry to lead by example, reminding customers of the importance of maintaining safe tyres, especially as the weather conditions change.” Professionals should encourage customers to have their tyres checked at the first sign of wear, and to replace tyres that fall below the legal tread depth of 1.6mm across the central threequarters of the tread. https://kumhotire.com/uk Top tips to stay safe
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