Tyre safety tips for potholes and preventing damage

As drivers, we are all too familiar with the menace of potholes on the roads. These pesky craters can wreak havoc on our tyres and suspension systems, leading to costly repairs and potential safety risks. Check out our latest tyre safety tips on minimising pothole damage and find out how seriously it can impact your driving.

Tyre punctures and blowouts

Potholes have severe consequences for your tyres. Hitting a pothole at high speeds can result in tyre punctures or even blowouts. The impact can cause the tyre to rupture, leading to immediate loss of air pressure – so avoid these craters at all costs! It is essential to check for visible signs of damage such as bulges or cuts on the sidewall, as well as check your tyre pressures if you have hit a pothole.

Wheel alignment issues

Potholes can also knock your wheel alignment out of balance. Driving with this misalignment can result in uneven tyre wear, impacting not only the handling of your vehicle but also its fuel efficiency. Regular checks for wheel alignment are crucial to address any issues promptly, ensuring that your tyres perform optimally and last longer. This proactive approach contributes to a smoother driving experience and the overall health of your tyres.

Signs of pothole damage

Identifying signs of pothole damage is crucial in ensuring timely repairs and preventing further complications. Here are some common indicators to watch out for:

Abnormal noise or vibrations

If you notice unusual noises or vibrations after hitting a pothole, it may signify damage to your tyres or suspension system. These signs should not be ignored, as they can indicate underlying issues that require professional inspection and repair.

Vehicle pulling to one side

A vehicle that pulls to one side after encountering a pothole may indicate wheel misalignment or suspension damage. This can affect steering control and compromise overall tyre safety. Seeking prompt attention from a certified technician is crucial to address the issue effectively.

Tips for minimising pothole damage

While encountering potholes is often unavoidable, there are proactive measures you can take to minimise potential damage to your tyres and suspension. Let’s explore some practical tips:

Maintain proper tyre inflation

Keeping your tyres properly inflated is crucial in minimising the impact of potholes. Underinflated or overinflated tyres are more susceptible to damage and can increase the risk of blowouts. Regularly check your tyre pressure and ensure it matches the manufacturer’s recommended levels.

Reduce speed and brake responsibly

Slowing down when approaching potholes can significantly reduce the risk of tyre and suspension damage. Avoid hard braking while hitting a pothole, as it can cause your vehicle to nose-dive and increase the impact on your tyres. Gradually release the brakes before impact to allow your car to absorb some of the force.

If you suspect your tyres may have been damaged due to potholes, Arrow Tyres is happy to provide you with a complimentary tyre check. Potholes are going to be with us for some time, therefore navigating them effectively requires a combination of awareness, preparation, and responsible driving – plus a good pair of glasses if you wear them! Understanding the causes of potholes, recognizing signs of damage, adopting preventive measures and prioritising tyre safety are crucial to protect your tyres and ensure a safer driving experience.

Remember to regularly inspect your tyres, maintain proper inflation, and seek professional assistance if you have concerns about potential damage. Visit our Newhaven garage, get in touch with us, or give us a call at 01273 515128 to ensure your tyres are in top condition for your travels.

Yokohama Tyre Cashback Offer

Get up to £100 in cash back on Yokohama Tyres at Arrow Tyre Services – Limited Time Offer!

Arrow Tyre Services, a proud Point S dealer, is excited to bring you an exclusive cashback deal on Yokohama Tyres until October 31st. If you’re in the market for new tyres, now is the perfect time to consider Yokohama Tyres. With their latest cashback offer, you can not only get high-quality tyres for your vehicle but also enjoy some extra savings. Yokohama Tyres is known for their exceptional performance, durability, and innovative design. Let’s explore the impressive qualities of Yokohama Tyres and the various options available to enhance your driving experience.

Yokohama Tyres: Unleashing Performance and Reliability

Yokohama Tyres are meticulously crafted to provide an enhanced driving experience, characterized by superior comfort, enhanced handling, and minimized noise levels. These state-of-the-art tyres are engineered to deliver the smoothest and most enjoyable drives. Yokohama places great importance on ensuring maximum safety and minimizing environmental impacts, which is why they prioritize research and development to develop exceptional and reliable technology. Whether you’re cruising on city streets or embarking on a long highway journey, Yokohama offers a tire range to suit your needs.

1. ADVAN: The Flagship of Yokohama’s Excellence

Yokohama’s ADVAN range of tyres is the epitome of sport, performance, and comfort. These tyres have been selected as original equipment by esteemed vehicle manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. With an optimized balance of wet grip, low rolling resistance, and reduced noise levels, ADVAN tyres deliver an excellent driving experience.

2. BluEarth: A Commitment to the Environment

Yokohama’s BluEarth range reflects the brand’s dedication to environmental performance and responsibility. Manufactured using advanced techniques and zero emissions factories, BluEarth tyres offer outstanding performance while minimizing their impact on the environment.

3. GEOLANDAR: Conquer Every Terrain

For off-road adventurers, Yokohama presents the GEOLANDAR range of tyres. These tyres are designed to tackle challenging terrains, providing superior traction and durability.
Whether you’re exploring rugged landscapes or embarking on exciting off-road expeditions, GEOLANDAR tyres will ensure a safe journey.

Claiming your cash back at Arrow Tyre Services

To take advantage of the cashback offer, visit the Point S website and follow the instructions to submit your claim. Be sure to select Arrow Tyres Newhaven as your provider!

Arrow Tyre Services, as a trusted Point S dealer, offers an excellent opportunity to purchase Yokohama Tyres with a lucrative cashback deal until October 31st. With Yokohama’s renowned reputation in motorsports and their tire ranges like ADVAN, BluEarth, and GEOLANDAR, you can be confident in the performance, reliability, and environmental consciousness of your tyre choice. Don’t miss out on this exclusive offer and experience the excellence of Yokohama Tyres at Arrow Tyre Services today.

Top 10 tyre tips to keep you safe this summer

Summer is finally here, and with the warm weather comes the urge to hit the road and embark on exciting adventures. Whether planning a road trip to the beach or a scenic drive through the countryside, it’s essential to ensure that your car is in perfect condition, particularly your tyres. Neglecting tyre maintenance can lead to increased risks on the road, including blowouts and accidents. To help you stay safe and enjoy a smooth summer journey, we’ve compiled our top 10 summer driving tips with a special focus on keeping your tyres in check.

1. Regularly inspect and maintain your tyres

Just as winter weather can impact your tyres’ condition, the summer also brings challenges. Hot weather causes the air inside your tyres to expand, potentially leading to a blowout. To avoid this, it’s crucial to regularly inspect and maintain your tyres throughout the summer. Check for any signs of cracking in the sidewalls and ensure the tread depth is within the legal limit. Additionally, inflate your tyres to the recommended pressure, as stated in your vehicle’s handbook or advised by your trusted garage.

2. Monitor tyre pressure and inflate correctly

Inflating your tyres to the correct pressure is essential for optimal performance and safety. Hot weather can cause the air inside your tyres to expand, leading to overinflation. This can affect your car’s handling and increase the risk of a blowout. Regularly check your tyre pressure using a reliable gauge and inflate them to the recommended level. Consult your vehicle’s handbook for the appropriate tyre pressure specifications.

3. Check your tyre tread depth

Proper tyre tread depth is crucial for maintaining traction and grip, especially when roads become hot and slippery in the summer. Check the tread depth regularly and ensure it meets the legal limit of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s width. If your tyres are worn beyond this limit, it’s time to replace them to ensure your safety on the road.

4. Rotate your tyres

Rotating your tyres regularly can help ensure even wear and prolong their lifespan. Tyres on the front axle tend to wear differently than those on the rear axle due to variations in weight distribution and steering forces. By rotating your tyres every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, you can promote even tread wear and extend the life of your tyres.

5. Be mindful of overloading

Summer trips often involve packing your car with luggage, camping gear or even towing a caravan or trailer. It’s important to keep your vehicle within its designated carrying capacity. Overloading can strain your tyres and other vehicle components, increasing the risk of tyre failure and compromising your safety on the road. Check your vehicle’s maximum load capacity and evenly distribute weight to maintain stability and reduce tyre wear.

6. Stay alert for signs of wear and damage

Regularly inspect your tyres for wear, bulges, cuts, or other damage. High temperatures can accelerate the deterioration of tyres, making it even more crucial to be vigilant. If you notice any abnormalities, it’s best to have them inspected by specialist tyre fitters who can provide expert advice and recommend appropriate actions, such as repair or replacement.

7. Avoid excessive speed and sudden manoeuvres

Summer often brings clear roads and the temptation to speed up and enjoy the thrill of driving. However, excessive speed can significantly increase the risk of accidents, especially if your tyres are not in optimal condition. Driving at high speeds generates more heat in your tyres, which can lead to tyre failure. Additionally, sudden manoeuvres, such as sharp turns or abrupt braking, can put unnecessary stress on your tyres. Practice defensive driving and maintain a safe and consistent speed to ensure the longevity and safety of your tyres.

8. Be prepared for changing weather conditions

While summer is generally associated with warm and dry weather, unexpected rain showers or storms can occur. It’s essential to be prepared for changing weather conditions and adjust your driving accordingly. There have been too many sudden downpours this summer, and wet roads can reduce tyre traction, increasing the likelihood of skidding or hydroplaning. Ensure your tyres have adequate tread depth to effectively disperse water and maintain grip on wet surfaces. Adjust your driving speed to match the road conditions and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

9. Maintain proper wheel alignment and balancing

Proper wheel alignment and balancing are essential for optimal tyre performance and longevity. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tyre wear and affect the handling and stability of your vehicle. Additionally, unbalanced wheels can lead to vibrations and discomfort while driving. Regularly schedule wheel alignments and balancing to ensure your tyres wear evenly and provide a smooth and safe driving experience.

10. Seek professional tyre services

If you’re unsure about the condition of your tyres or need expert advice, it’s always best to consult a professional tyre service provider. At Arrow Tyres, we will give you an honest opinion on the condition of your tyres following a quick inspection. Should any action be required, we will recommend, quote and provide you with a first-class service at all times. We undertake tyre repairs, replacements, and wheel alignments. Regular visits to a reputable tyre service centre will ensure optimal performance and tyre safety throughout the summer and beyond.

By following these top 10 summer driving tips and prioritising tyre maintenance, you can enjoy a safe and worry-free journey during the summer months. Remember to regularly inspect your tyres, maintain proper tyre pressure, and stay mindful of changing weather conditions. Your tyres are crucial in keeping you safe on the road, so ensure they are checked before embarking on your summer adventures. Pop in to our Newhaven garage, contact us or call us on 01273 515128.

Additional Information:

· It’s recommended to have your tyres professionally inspected and rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or as recommended by your tyre manufacturer.

· If you’re planning to tow a caravan or trailer, ensure that your tyres are suitable for the additional load and consult with a professional to determine the appropriate tyre pressure and load capacity.

Remember, your safety is paramount, and proper tyre maintenance is key. 

Stay vigilant, stay safe, and enjoy your summer drives to the fullest!

10 tips for making sure your car tyres are safe

It is important to have safe tyres on your car. An unsafe tyre can affect the handling, braking, fuel consumption and comfort of your vehicle. How can you make sure your tyres are safe? Here are 10 tyre safety tips to help keep your tyres in good condition.

Check your tyres

It’s important to check the condition of your tyres regularly because you don’t want to end up stranded on the side of the road. Make sure that all tyre treads are at least 4 millimetres deep and use a tread gauge to make sure they’re not worn out. You can also find out if your car needs new tyres by feeling for any uneven areas in the rubber. If you are not sure, just come along to Arrow Tyres and we will give your tyres a free safety check.

How often should you check your tyres?

The RAC warns that drivers may need to get new tyres on average every five years. To make sure they’re safe, check their tread depth and wear periodically to avoid unsafe driving conditions as we have a lot of pot holes and rough road surfaces that can damage your tyres.

What to look out for in a tyre and its condition

Buying new tyres for your vehicle is always a good idea, but it pays to be extremely careful when choosing them always go along to a trusted tyre fitting company or garage. Don’t be taken for a ride – it is not worth the risk. An experienced tyre company can always give you an estimate (depending on your mileage) of how long your tyres might last before they need replacing, and check if any of these are low or out of shape.

Is your car due a wheel alignment?

Make sure that your tyres are in good condition and keep them inflated to the correct pressure. If you notice that they are wearing on one side, or unevenly, your wheels may need aligning. Get your wheels checked by a professional straight away. If you have any doubts about whether your suspension system is working correctly, take it to a specialist for diagnosis. Don’t forget to have an MOT every year.

Wear and tear

The wear and tear of your tyres will affect the performance of your car. When you buy new tyres, check for wear indicators on the side of each tyre. The wear indicators are an arrow that points to where the maximum limit is for safe driving. As soon as you see one of these arrows, get it replaced because it’s not safe to keep driving your car with that tyre. You should also get them checked regularly to make sure that the tread is adequate, which means that it meets minimum requirements for traction.

Conclusion

The most important thing you can do to maintain your car’s safety is to make sure that the tyres are in working order. When driving, you should check these tyres for signs of damage or wear and replace them when necessary. Make sure they’re inflated to the proper pressure. These simple steps will help your car stay safe and make it easy for you and your passengers to enjoy a ride.

CLOSURE OF OUR SOUTHWICK DEPOT

On Wednesday 9 June, 2021, we regret that we will be closing our Southwick Depot. We have sadly made this decision even though it was the first one opened by our family just over 50 years ago. Circumstances beyond our control, including renewal of lease and, the unpredictability of Covid has unfortunately led to this decision.

We would like to thank everyone in the Southwick area for their custom and friendship over the years. We would very much like to see you at our Newhaven garage where you will be assured of a first-class customer service and competitive prices on tyres, exhausts, brakes and wheel alignment.

The last day of opening at Southwick will be Wednesday 9 June. Please don’t hesitate to call us at Newhaven telephone on 01273 515128 if you don’t mind the drive over to see us.

KEEPING YOUR WHEELS MOVING THIS AUTUMN

At Arrow Tyres, we like to help our customers remain safe on the road, and with autumn rolling in early this year, we thought it would be good to remind you of some of the essential motoring tips for the winter.

We are all living life in the fast lane, and it is quite easy to forget to look after your car. It is not until you hear a strange sound coming from under the bonnet or from a wheel, that it reminds you that you haven’t prepared, or checked your car, for winter.

We’re all the same – we expect our wheels to keep going all year round, come rain and shine and, for anyone who has been driving on the A26 Newhaven to Lewes road for the last few months, the wear and tear from the road surface will certainly have had an effect on your wheels.

We’re really pleased that the Highways agency will commence road repairs on Monday 9 October and, although it will take three months of night closures to complete the stretch, our car, van and lorry tyres will see less damage. Read more about the road closures here.

If you are not too sure about how to check your tyres, at Arrow Tyres, we will check them for free for you. Why not pop in when you are passing our Newhaven or Southwick garages, and we can take a look at them? Making sure your tyres are above the legal limit of 1.6mm, will greatly improve your steering and your braking.

And, it’s not just tyres that need checking, with the darker evenings it would be good to check your lights. It sounds simple but all of a sudden you might have less visibility on a foggy morning, and it is easy and quick to do.

Checking your brakes is also another winter essential. If you feel your braking has become a little less responsive than before, it may mean your discs or pads are worn. A set of brake pads could last you 50,000 miles, or if you frequently drive around towns and are braking fairly constantly, they may only last around 25,000 miles.

If you have heard a squeak or squeal from your brakes, your pads will probably need replacing. Some brake pads are equipped with wear indicators which will squeal a warning sound, but this kind of noise could also indicate other problems.

At Arrow Tyres, we can tell you exactly what is wrong and can replace your brakes or discs quickly, efficiently and at competitive prices. If you are looking for experienced, friendly and efficient fitters, do call in and let us give you some genuine advice, a competitive quote, and Arrow’s exceptional service.

Arrow Tyres – keeping your wheels on the road this autumn.