Check for those lumps, bumps, cuts and bulges this winter

Checking your car tyres for damage should be done visually every couple of weeks to make sure there are no obvious problems. Lumps, bumps, scratches and sharp objects stuck in the rubber can all make your tyres unsafe, as well as being extremely dangerous. BTCC driver Fiona Leggate advises us on the simple steps you can take to identify potential problems that could compromise winter driving safety...

Car Tyre Damage Top Tips

• Check your car tyres for damage regularly
• Make sure you check each tyre for cracks, cuts, bulges and sharp objects
• Tyres with lumps or bulges might be suffering from internal damage, and should be brought to the attention of a car tyre expert
• Any cut that looks about 2 1/2cm deep might have reached the internal structure of the tyre, and should be checked by a tyre expert
• Groups of small cracks called 'crazing' are a sign of tyre aging, and indicate it's probably time to get replacements
• If a sharp object is found embedded in the tyre, take the car to an expert and they will advise on whether a new tyre is required
• If you do discover any damage at all, it's probably worth fitting the spare tyre just to be on the safe side before taking the car to an expert
• Most car tyre retailers offer a free tyre check service without an appointment
• If the tyre is not wearing evenly, it could be a sign the wheels are not aligned which will need correcting

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