Check your tyres before you travel this Easter bank holiday

With the long Easter weekend approaching, it might be your first opportunity of the year to head off on a UK getaway. Your priority tasks most likely include packing the suitcases and filling the boot of the car in preparation for hitting the road, but have you checked your tyres are ready for the weekend drive?

Here are our three key maintenance checks.

Check for visible damage

Visible tyre checks should be done at least once a month and become even more important after winter, when the road is littered with potholes. Look out for cuts, bumps or bulges – and if you do discover anything, it’s best to get it checked by a tyre professional for further advice.

Damage like this can compromise a tyre’s performance, leading to reduced grip, as well as an increased risk of blowouts or sudden tyre failure.

The 20p hack to check your tread depth

Driving without sufficient tread depth puts you, your passengers and other motorists on the road in danger. Ensuring your tyres are above the legal depth of tread, which is 1.6mm in the UK, improves grip, handling, and most importantly, safety.

The 20p test is a simple, quick and easy way of checking your tyre tread. Just take a 20p coin and insert it into the tread grooves on the tyre. If the outer band of the coin is hidden, your tyres are above the legal limit. If the band is visible, it’s time for some new tyres as soon as possible.

Don’t overload your car

It can be something that doesn’t always cross your mind, but if you’re planning to travel with a full car, your tyres will be working harder than usual.

Tyres must be able to support the total weight of the vehicle in order for them to operate to their maximum performance, so it’s important to inflate them to the correct pressures. Any strain on underinflated tyres will cause uneven wear and compromise the running of the vehicle.

If you do need to carry a heavier load than normal, adjust your tyre pressure accordingly. The correct levels can be found in the car’s handbook or on the inside of the driver’s door.

For further tyre advice, visit your local Envoy dealer. If you’re in need of some new tyres before your bank holiday travels, explore the Envoy range here.