Tyres During The Cost of Living Crisis

The cost of living has not gone away. It continues to assert itself on people across the globe. Many people are feeling the pinch, now more than ever.

As prices for essentials like food and energy continue to remain high, families struggle.

Understandably, to try and save money, some people cut back. One thing it is important to not cut back on, is car maintenance. This is a dangerous thing to do, especially with your tyres.

"Tyres are the only point of contact between your car and the road". This is often quoted in these types of articles. Making it almost a cliche. But that makes it no less true. They are essential in keeping you safe.

Worn or damaged tyres can increase the likelihood of a car being involved in an accident. The consequences of driving with damaged or illegal tires in the UK can be severe. Poor tire maintenance is one of the most common reasons for car accidents in the UK.

Despite the risks, many motorists are choosing to delay the replacement of tyres. In many instances due to the cost of living crisis.

Keeping Your Tyres Safe

There are many actions you can take to keep your tyres safe.

First, check your tyre pressure on a regular basis. The pressure in your tyres can fluctuate with usage and temperature. So it is important to check at least once a month.

You should also test your tyre's tread depth. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across 75% of the circumference of the tyre.

Once the depth begins to drop below 3mm, they are still safe to use, but you should begin to consider a replacement.

Finally, when doing your other tyre safety tests, look for any signs of damage. This can include things such as cuts, bulges or cracks. If you spot any damage to your tyres, have them checked by a garage immediately. If it is safe to do so.

Unsafe tyres can cause a number of problems. These include, but are not limited to:

• Reduced grip in wet conditions. Worn or damaged tyres have less surface area in contact with the road. This leads to less grip - making it difficult to control your car in wet conditions.
  
  
• Increased risk of aquaplaning. Aquaplaning is a very dangerous situation. It occurs when your tyres lose contact with the road and essentially 'surf' on a small wave of water. Aquaplaning can cause you to lose control of your car and skid off the road.
  
  
• Blowouts. A blowout is when a tyre loses pressure quickly and explodes. This is due to many factors. Such as worn or damaged tyres, driving over potholes, or overloading your car. Blowouts can be very dangerous.

As well as the risk of accidents -unsafe tyres also lead to other problems.

Reduced fuel efficiency. Worn or damaged tyres can make your car less fuel-efficient. Meaning you need to fill up with fuel more often. A knock-on cost.

Increased noise levels. Tyres which are in poor condition can make your car louder.

Higher wear and tear. If your tyres are not in good condition they will wear out quicker. Leading to tyres requiring replacement more often and ahead of schedule.

Part-Worn Tyres as a False Economy

In the face of rising costs, it's understandable that people seek out ways to save money.

Yet, when it comes to tyres, opting for part-worn tyres as a cost-cutting measure can be a false economy. One that could compromise on safety and ultimately add more cost in the long run.

As the name suggests, part-worn tyres, have been previously used on another vehicle. While the initial outlay for a set of part-worn tyres may appear to be lower, this saving is often deceptive.

Hidden Costs of Part-Worn Tyres

Part-worn tyres come with hidden costs. Ones that can outweigh their initial 'lower' price tag. These include:

• Reduced Tread Life. Part-worn tyres have already used up some of their tread life. They will need to be replaced sooner than new tyres. This will lead to more frequent tyre replacements. Increasing your expenses in the long run.
  
  
• Safety Risks. Some part-worn tyres may have hidden damage. Such as bulges or cracks, that could lead to blowouts or other hazardous situations.

Investing in Quality and Safety

While the upfront cost of some new tyres may be higher, consider it more as an investment in safety. Brand-new tyres offer:

• Extended Tread Life. New tyres come with the full tread depth. This will provide you with more mileage. As well as reducing the frequency of tyre replacements.
  
  
• Enhanced Safety. Tyres straight out of the factory are designed with optimal grip and handling.
  
  
• Warranty Protection. A new tyre will come with manufacturer warranties. Blackcircles.com also has a lifetime guarantee on all tyres. These give you peace of mind and protect you against defects or premature wear. Something that is invaluable when it comes to your safety.

Prioritise Safety and Savings

When it comes to your tyres, we accept that they are not a cheap purchase. They are also not something people WANT to spend their money on. But, they are a necessity. We do our best to keep our prices as low as possible.

Where possible, invest in quality tyres. Rather than considering how cheap a tyre you can get, think what tyre can you afford.

To prolong the tyres you have, and increase the time in between tyre orders, take care of your tyres with maintenance.

Check your tyre pressure, inspect your tyres for signs of damage, and test your tread depth.

By following these simple tips, you can help to keep yourself and your loved ones safe on the road.

If you are struggling, we also do offer finance options on tyres via Paypal. Find out more about this offering on our tyre finance page.