07/07/2011

• There should be at least three millimeters residual tread depth
• Tires must be inflated to deal with load
• Also check tire kit and spare tire

Hanover, July 7th, 2011. The leading European tiremaker, Continental, urges drivers to take a look at their tires before heading off on vacation. Tires should have a tread depth of at least three millimeters. This ensures that driving remains safe on wet roads as well. Car owners should consult a specialist immediately if there are any signs of tread chunking or sidewall bulging and chafing.

Prior to taking off for the year's most enjoyable weeks, it is also necessary to check inflation pressure, as should be done at regular fourteen-day intervals throughout the year. The tires on a car filled with kids and luggage require a higher operating pressure than usual. The car’s service manual or a sticker affixed to the inside of the glove compartment, a door jamb or the tank flap indicates the exact values  A positive secondary effect of the right inflation pressure is the low rolling resistance so attained. This ups fuel efficiency enroute to one's vacation spot.

When checking the inflation pressure, motorists should also keep the spare tire in mind. A greatly underinflated tire is only extra weight in the event that one of the fitted tires has a flat. And any repair kit in the car should be checked to make sure it’s “best-before” date has not already expired. If so, it will be necessary to replace the kit.

It also pays to check the inflation pressure on rental cars used where you are vacationing. A visual check of tread depth and sidewall serves to ensure your own safety, while the right inflation pressure reduces the cost of the trip. Our tip: Tire inflation should be checked when the tire is still relatively cold. If the car has been standing in the blazing sun, the owner should wait until the next morning to run the check.