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[vc_column_text css=””]When it comes to van maintenance, your tyres should be a top priority.

Vans experience a range of demanding driving conditions. Unlike cars, vans regularly carry heavy loads, drive long distances and travel on uneven or rough surfaces.

Checking your van tyres regularly will ensure your vehicle performs optimally under these unique conditions and can save you from a costly mishap down the road.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1747″ img_size=”full” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1738770701460{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;border-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″]

[vc_column_text css=””]Routinely checking your van tyres is an essential part of caring for and maintaining your vehicle.

Properly maintained tyres will:

• Keep you safe on the road by reducing the risk of aquaplaning or skidding, preventing blowouts and ensuring shorter stopping distance.
• Improve the performance of your vehicle by providing a smoother drive with better handling and fuel efficiency.
• Prolong your van tyre lifespan by identifying issues like uneven wear quickly.
• Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and compliant with the legal requirements.

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[vc_column_text css=””]Van drivers and fleet managers can carry out some simple checks to make sure their tyres are safe and legal.

These are:

• Checking van tyre pressure
• Measuring van tread depth
• Looking for signs of wear & damage

Find out more about why these tasks are important and how to complete them below.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1596124948550{background-color: #f1f1f1 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″]

[vc_column_text css=””]Start your maintenance checks by first checking the van tyre pressure.

As vans frequently carry loads, it’s essential that tyres are inflated to the correct pressure.

When a tyre is under-inflated (or overloaded), excess heat builds up, which greatly increases the tyre’s likelihood of rapidly deflating. Tyre failure of this nature is a major safety risk as it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and can also put other road users at risk.

Van operators should ensure that their tyres are inflated to the correct pressure depending on whether the vehicle is laden or unladen. Details of the correct pressures can be found in the vehicle handbook.

When checking your van tyre pressure, you should:

1. Use a reliable and accurate pressure gauge to check tyre pressure once a week and/or at the regular fleet inspection.
2. Check the pressure in all tyres not forgetting to check any spare tyre(s) as well.
3. Use the tyre manufacturer’s recommended operating pressures.
4. Check the pressure when tyres are cold or when the vehicle has travelled less than two miles.
5. Ensure that valve extensions are fitted and working for twin fitment tyres.

If you are unsure of any aspect of tyre pressure, take your vehicle to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.

Download our handy guide to Van tyre safety (PDF, 500k)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2113″ img_size=”full”][vc_single_image image=”2109″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1738770674220{padding-top: 40px !important;border-color: #EDEDED !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2110″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

[vc_column_text css=””]The next maintenance check to do is to measure the tread depth of your van tyres.

The right tread depth is key to safety – and this is especially true for vans. As heavy vehicles carrying heavy loads, vans tend to have longer stopping distances. Ensuring your van tyres have a deep tread – exceeding the legal minimum – will help to improve your vehicles grip and traction on the road.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1738770608910{padding-bottom: 40px !important;border-color: #EDEDED !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]The legal tread depth minimum for vans in the UK is 1.6mm. Your tyre should meet this legal minimum across the central three quarters of the tyre, around its complete circumference.

Drivers found in breach of this law face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre.

While the legal minimum is 1.6mm, TyreSafe recommend that drivers consider changing their tyres well before the legal limit.

To check your van tyre tread, you should complete the 20p test.

1. Place a 20p coin into the main tread groove of the tyre
2. Repeat this across the entire circumference of the tyre

The outer band of the coin should not be visible in a tyre with sufficient tread depth.

If the outer band of the coin is visible, your tyre may not have a sufficient tread depth, and you should look to have your tyre replaced at a local garage.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1596124948550{background-color: #f1f1f1 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″]

[vc_column_text css=””]The last maintenance check to do is to look for signs of wear and damage on your van tyres.

This might include:

• Cleaning the dirt from the valves and making sure that valve caps are fitted to each wheel.
• Removing any stones and other objects embedded in the tread.
• Looking out for any bulges, lumps or cuts to the tread & sidewalls.
• Checking if the front tyres show signs of excessive or uneven wear – which could be a sign of steering alignment issues.

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[vc_column_text css=””]Still have questions about how to care for and maintain your van tyres? We’ve answered some of your frequently asked questions below.[/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”Can you put van tyres on a car?” style=”square_outline” size=”sm” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:14|text_align:left” custom_use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”” use_custom_heading=”true”]No. Van tyres are not appropriate for cars. Van tyres have higher load ratings and lower speed ratings than other tyres. This means that fitting vans tyres to passenger vehicles may compromise handling & safety at high speeds.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”How long do van tyres last?” style=”square_outline” size=”sm” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:14|text_align:left” custom_use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”” use_custom_heading=”true”]Generally speaking, your front tyres should last for ~20,000 miles and your back tyres, for longer than this.

This will depend though, on how well you maintain them. Driving on underinflated tyres or on rough roads, will reduce their lifespan significantly.

You should check your tyres regularly to ensure they are in optimal condition.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”When should I replace my van tyres?” style=”square_outline” size=”sm” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:14|text_align:left” custom_use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”” use_custom_heading=”true”]You should replace your van tyres if:

• The tread depth falls below 2mm or the legal minimum of 1.6mm.
• You can see visible damage to the rubber, such as cracks, bulges, cuts or punctures.
• You notice uneven tread wear

The tyre is reaching its expiry date – You can check the serial identification number on the tyre’s sidewall to find it’s manufacture date.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]

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