How can bad tyres cause you to fail your Warrant of Fitness?
The condition of your car’s tyres is vital to the safety and control you have over your vehicle. For this reason, excessive damage or wear can lead to a failure of your Warrant of Fitness. There are several assessments a Warrant of Fitness inspector will make of your car’s tyres:
- Tread depth – Tread depth describes the depth of the grooves in your tyres. As the tyre wears, these grooves become shallower. This reduces the amount of grip the tyres have, leading to potentially unsafe driving conditions. A tread depth of at least 1.5mm is necessary for your car’s tyres to be legal.
- Tyre deformation – If a tyre has noticeable lumps or bulges, it may to be replaced. This is because they are often caused by the failure of the tyre’s inner structure.
- Objects stuck in the tyre – If a nail or other small object becomes stuck in the tyre, it may need to be replaced. This is because the nail can fall out at any time, leading to an unexpected puncture.
Checking the tread depth of your tyres:
Checking tread depth is easy. In fact, all you need is a New Zealand 20 cent coin. Place the coin into the grooves of your tyre with the number 20 going in first. If all of the number can be seen, it means that tread has fallen below 2mm and the tyre will need to be replaced soon.
Also, keep an eye out for tread wear indicators. These are small marking on tyres that appear when the tread is getting low.
Signs and symptoms of worn tyres:
- Cracks or cuts along the sides of a tyre – Cracks along the tyre’s sidewalls are one of the most common signs of failing tyres. Over time, these cracks can worsen. This can lead to unsafe driving conditions.
- Bulges – An unusual bulge means that the interior structure of the tyre may be damaged. If you notice bulges, it is best to get the tyre replaced as soon as possible to prevent unexpected punctures due to tyre failure.
- Exposed cords/wiring – Inside tyres are metal wires that hold it together. If these wires become exposed, it means that the tyre is very near the end of its life.
- Vibrations while driving – A damaged tyre can cause your vehicle to vibrate while you drive.
- Increased wear fuel consumption – Worn tyres can lead to the uneven balancing of the car’s weight. This can lead to the other three tyres wearing more quickly, as well as increased fuel consumption.
Car Tyre WOF Replacement in Hamilton
Has your car failed its Warrant of Fitness due to a problem with the tyres? If so, we can help! At Grimmer Motors, our team of skilled mechanics can examine, repair punctures or replace your tyres to get them road-worthy again. A tyre replacement can also increase fuel economy and reduce wear on other components.
FREE NATIVE TREE DONATIONS – please remember that for every tyre you buy through Grimmer Motors, that we will donate a Native Tree to Trees for Survival, with a goal of 3000 Native Trees donated by 1 August 2020!
For tyre servicing and WOF diagnostics in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!