The consumer plays an important role in tyre maintenance. Tyres should be removed from service for numerous reasons, including tread worn down to minimum depth, damage or abuse (punctures, cuts, impacts, cracks, bulges, under-inflation, overloading, etc). For these reasons tyres, including spares, must be inspected routinely, at least once a month.

Regular inspection becomes particularly important the longer a tyre is kept in service. If tyre damage is suspected or found, Continental recommends that the tyre is inspected by a tyre service professional. Consumers should use this consultation to determine if the tyres can continue to be used safely. It is recommended that spare tyres be inspected at the same time. This routine inspection should be made whether or not the vehicle is equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Above: External and internal tyre sidewall views of impact damage caused, for example, by being driven up a kerb.

Consumers are strongly encouraged to be aware of their tyres’ visual condition. Also, they should be alert for any change in dynamic performance such as increased air loss, noise or vibration. Such changes could be an indicator that one or more of the tyres should be immediately removed from service. Also, the consumer should be the first to notice a severe impact to a tyre and ensure that the tyre is inspected immediately.