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A new article just released by Best Drive Helensvale asks a very pertinent question that is relevant to safety on the roads and the safety of all families and loved ones “ How do I know if my tyres are safe?”
More information can be found at: http://tyreshopnearme.com.au/tyres/
One of the major factors in relation to safety on the road is in relation to the depth of the tyre tread. Because of this, it is very important to check tyres regularly to ensure that there is an adequate tread depth, especially before embarking on a long drive such as taking the family on holidays.
The tread is designed to disperse water from the contact patch, thereby helping the tyre grip the road. Without tread the tyre’s ability to grip a wet road is severely limited, making it almost impossible to stop, turn, accelerate and corner without losing control of the vehicle.
The RACQ says that “Queensland law dictates your tyre must have 1.5mm tread across the face of the tyre. Most tyres have tread-wear indicators so you can measure tyre tread yourself. When the wear bar is level with the tread blocks your tyre just reaches the minimum depth. While this is the minimum legal tread, you should get a tyre replacement well before you reach this”.
All tyres are stamped with the date of manufacture. Three digits for pre-2000, and four digits for after 2000. Pre-2000 the first two digits stand for the week in the year and the last digit stands for the year. So a three-digit number of 078 stands for the seventh week in 1998. After 2000 the first two digits stand for the week in the year and the last two digits stand for the year. So a four-digit number of 0209 stands for the second week in 2009.
In an article written by Graham Smith for Carsguide, he says “Tread wear indicator bars are moulded into the tread grooves at regular intervals around the tyre to indicate when a tyre is worn to its limit of safety.The minimum legal tread depth is 1.5 mm across the width of the tread. When the tyre is worn to the legal limit the bars will be flush with the surface of the tread. While that is the legal requirement some car manufacturers recommend you replace your tyres before they wear to that extent.
Graham goes on to make a very relevant point in that “The spare is almost always forgotten, left to sit in the dark in the boot of our car until needed in an emergency. Spare tyres that are six years or older should only be used in an emergency. A tyre that is 10 years old should be replaced”.
A very simple way to check a tyre’s tread depth, is to place an Australian 20c coin into the tread of the tyre. If the tread doesn’t reach the bill of the platypus, there’s less than 3mm of tread left on your tyres – and it’s time to start looking for some new rubber to keep you safe on the road!
Full details of the tyres more information is available at: http://tyreshopnearme.com.au/
Release ID: 441315