Menu
AUTOMOBILES

6 Signs Your Tyres Need To Be Replaced Before Going Towing

Signs Your Tyres Need To Be Replaced Before Going Towing

When it comes to towing, having reliable tyres is crucial for ensuring a safe and successful trip. Your tyres are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, and they play a major role in maintaining stability, handling, and braking performance. It’s important to have a reliable towing service that can help you in case of a breakdown or emergency. A good towing service should be available 24/7, have well-maintained equipment, and be staffed by experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly professionals.

And with that, it’s essential to regularly check your tyres for signs of wear and damage and replace them when necessary. Nobody wants a towing service that can’t look after its own tires. So below are 6 signs that indicate it’s time to invest in new tyres before your next towing adventure and what else you can do about it.

1. Bald Is Beautiful…But Not For Tyres

Balding tyres are a clear sign that it’s time to replace them. When the tyre tread becomes excessively worn, it can no longer provide adequate traction on the road, especially when towing. The risk of hydroplaning and losing control is significantly increased with bald tyres.

To check for balding tyres, simply run your hand over the tyre tread. If you can feel the individual tyre tread blocks, then your tyres are starting to bald and it’s time to replace them. Regularly inspecting your tyres for signs of balding is an important step in ensuring the safety of your towing vehicle and the load being transported.

2. The Tread Depth Test

Tread depth is another important factor to consider when it comes to tyre wear and replacement. The deeper the tread, the better the tyre’s ability to grip the road and maintain stability, especially during towing. A tyre with insufficient tread depth is more likely to skid, hydroplane, and lose traction, which can be extremely dangerous when towing.

To perform a tread depth test, simply use a tread depth gauge or a coin. If your tyre tread measures less than 2/32 of an inch, it’s time to replace your tyres. To get the most accurate readings, be sure to test your tyres in several different spots, as tread depth can vary across the tyre.

3. The Penny Test

The Penny test is another easy way to check the tread depth of your tyres. To perform the test, simply insert a 20p coin into the tyre tread with the rim facing down. If you can see the rim of the coin, then it’s time to replace your tyres.

The 20p test is a great way to check your tyre tread depth on the go, as you likely always have a 20p coin in your pocket. It’s important to note that the 20p test only provides a rough estimate of tread depth and shouldn’t be relied upon as the sole indicator of when to replace your tyres.

4. Cracks In The System & Other Visible Tyre Damage

Visible tyre damage, such as cuts, cracks, punctures, or bulges, can also indicate that it’s time to replace your tyres. This type of damage can weaken the tyre structure and make it more likely to fail, especially during towing. If you notice any visible damage on your tyres, it’s best to have them inspected by a professional and replaced with new tyres if necessary.

Common types of visible tyre damage include sidewall cuts, punctures, and bulges. Sidewall cuts can occur from driving over sharp objects, such as nails or glass, while punctures and bulges are usually caused by hitting a pothole or other road obstacle. If you notice any of these types of damage on your tyres, it’s best to replace them as soon as possible to ensure the safety of you and your vehicle during towing.

5. Uneven Wear & Tear

Another clear sign that it’s time to replace your tyres is if you notice uneven wear and tear. This could be a result of incorrect tyre pressure, misalignment, or other issues with your vehicle.

If you see that your tyres are wearing unevenly, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible, as it can cause your tyres to wear out more quickly and even lead to a blowout while towing. To ensure that your tyres are wearing evenly, be sure to check your tyre pressure regularly and have your vehicle inspected if you suspect a problem with the alignment.

6. Aged Like Fine Wine…Again Not For Tyres

The age of your tyres can also be a factor in determining when it’s time to replace them. Even if your tyres appear to be in good condition, they can still become brittle and lose their grip over time. After all, you can’t be too sure about the problems it may have inside that you can’t see.

The general rule of thumb is to replace your tyres every 6 to 10 years, depending on the type of tyre and usage. To determine the age of your tyres, you can look for the British Standard (BS) code on the sidewall of each tyre. This code will indicate the week and year that the tyre was manufactured. If your tyres are approaching or exceeding their expected lifespan, it may be time to invest in a set of new tyres for your towing needs.

Conclusion

Having reliable tyres is an essential component of a safe and successful towing experience. Regular tyre maintenance and inspections can help you identify any issues before they become serious problems. Investing in new tyres can be a significant expense, but it’s a necessary investment in the safety of you, your vehicle, and your passengers. New tyres not only provide better traction and stability on the road, but they also offer improved handling and braking performance, especially during towing. When choosing new tyres, be sure to consider factors such as the size, speed rating, and load capacity to ensure that you’re getting tyres that are suitable for your vehicle and towing needs.

No Comments

    Leave a Reply