Tyres: what to check before driving the car after lockdown

After several weeks with the car parked or with very limited use, you need to be prepared to start driving it again. And to start using the car regularly and continuously, certain precautions must be taken so that it can run in proper condition. We are sure you know that you need to check various points on the car, which we have already reviewed in another article, but you must pay close attention to the tyres.

Tyres are one of the most delicate elements of the car, and being stationary for so long can lead to serious problems when moving it. For this reason, for safety, it is necessary to pay special attention to them and check that they can roll without problems. To do this, we must carry out some checks before starting the car.

Checking the condition of the tyres

A quick tyre inspection can detect any problem and avoid scares when we drive the car. Let’s look at what we should check in this quick overview before moving the car.

• Tread wear: We must make sure that the tread depth must be at least 1.6 millimetres. If the tread is shallower, it can cause problems. This tread ensures the tyre’s grip on the road and helps drain away moisture on the road surface. Besides the lack of safety and the risk of an accident, it can lead to a fine of 150 euros and may also be grounds for failing the ITV (MOT) inspection.
• Looking for cracks: If the car is parked, the tyres are exposed to wear. So even without use, tyres deteriorate and may show cracks. These cracks can cause problems when using the car and it is important to know they exist. If cracks are detected in the rubber, the car must be taken to the workshop to replace the tyres so that you can drive normally.
• Flat spots on the tyre: Flat spots are deformations that can occur in the tyre when it has been parked for a long time. Normally, these flat spots can be corrected by driving a little, although if this does not happen it can lead to greater tyre wear and, like any other imperfections that may be found on it, they can pose a risk.

Checking the tyre pressure

Verifying that the tyre pressure is correct is the main and first thing we must do once we move the car after a prolonged period of standing still. As soon as you start the car, you must go to a petrol station and check the tyre pressure. They may well be fine, but it costs nothing to make sure and be ready to drive normally.

It is also a good time to check the condition of the valves and make sure they are fine and that no air is escaping through them. You must check that the valve caps are in place, as they play an important protective role for the valves.

All of this can be done with a simple visual inspection. If problems such as steering vibrations are detected while driving, go to the workshop and carry out a more thorough inspection.