Being self employed does not always mean working from home sat at a desk.
It often involves long journeys, occasionally using public transport such as planes and trains, but for the most part, it means using our car. To be honest, like most people we use our car almost everyday. Home Ed trips, shopping, playdates, family days out, the list goes on. In short, our car is an essential tool, more than that though it's a vital part of our lives. It enables us to do what we want to do, what we have to do and enriches our lives by the service it provides. We know that these things can only be done if we look after our vehicle. Now neither Jon nor I are mechanics, we know the very, very basics, same as most people. You get services done, check the oil, make sure you have enough fuel, have a spare tyre, check the water water, the brake fluid, the lights are working etc. and that's pretty much it. There is however another thing that we do make sure we check and it's often something many overlook. We check the health of our tyres. The tire is the only part of the car that should touch the road so it's essential that part is running at optimum efficiency. At least once a week and certainly before every long journey we make sure the tyres are up to scratch. Something as easy as a simple tire check can save a lot of money and heartache. After all, the last thing you want on the way to a holiday destination is a flat tire on a motorway, or being pulled by the police to find you have no tread! Here's 5 simple tips you can do to ensure the health of your tyres; 1) Tyre Pressure.
Seems obvious doesn't it? It's often something that's totally overlooked however and can prove costly. Unless a tire is inflated to the correct pressure then it's not running efficiently. This in turn means that overtime more money spent of fuel, greater wear and tear on the tire and a less comfortable journey. If you're unsure of what the pressure should be, the owners handbook should have pressure for both front and rear tyres. Alternatively, there should be a guide on the driver, or passengers sill inside the car. Pressure gauges are inexpensive and very handy to keep in your vehicle. 2) Tread Wear
If your tire has little tread it becomes dangerous and cannot adhere to the road correctly, but it's one of the easiest and quickest things to check. When the tread is worn your braking distance increases, and failing to have adequate tread is an offense that can carry a hefty fine. One method to check the tyres is to take a 20p piece and position it within the groove of your tread. If the outer border of the coin is obscured by the tire then you have adequate tread. If it's visible, then it's time to replace that tire. Perform this test in at least three locations around each tire on your vehicle to ensure each tire is legal. 3) Damage to tyres
This can occur through driving without adequate pressure, incorrect wheel alignment or even scruffing the curb whilst parking. Even emergency braking can damage your tyres leaving them with a 'flat spot' or a reduced tread patch. Inspect the tyres for lumps, bumps or any signs of unevenness. If any are found take the car to a specialist. There are many located nationwide such as Elite Tyres in Chigwell. You can book your car tyres in Chigwell for a free appointment via a quick phone call or online to check the health of your tyres and helpful advice. 4) Avoid Potholes and other hazards
Seems obvious doesn't it? However how many times have we all felt a bump in the road or a sudden jolt before realising it was a pothole or other hazard? Potholes not only damage or even occasionally destroy tyres, they also can seriously damage your suspension. We can keep our eyes out for pedestrians, other motorists and cyclist etc, but it's also worth checking the road surface while you travel and avoiding lumps and bumps in the road wherever possible! 5) Have your tyres aligned regularly It's recommended that this is done every 2-3 years if your mileage is average on regular roads. If however you have wider or sportier tyres, travel great distances or on uneven road surfaces you should have them aligned more often. It's a simple quick job with your local tire fitters that could save you a lot of money and heartache in the long term. Do you have any motoring safety tips you stick to or can't travel without performing? Any hints you can share with me and readers? If so I'd love to read them in the comments below!
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