Get Your Best Drive on this Easter

Easter is one of the busiest times of the year on South African roads. So it’s vital that your car is thoroughly checked and safe before you head off for your holiday – both for your safety and your peace of mind. 

Did you know that the contact area each of your tyres has with the road is just a bit bigger than your hand? That means the well-being of your tyres is the single most important thing in keeping you and your family safe. 

Tread is especially important. In rainy conditions, your tyres are each expected to process up to 12 litres of water per second – and without sufficient tread, there’s no way they’ll be able to do that. 

The legal tread depth is 1mm, but you shouldn’t even take your car out of your garage if your tyres have less than 3mm. Remember – your tyres will wear down naturally on your journey, so even if they have 3mm now, they definitely will have far less for the return trip. 

The easiest way to measure your tread depth is with a R5 coin – place the coin in a groove in your tyres, and if the silver edge remains visible, it’s time to change your tyres. While you’re measuring, make sure that the tread depth is even across the tyre, from one edge to the other. 

Then, make sure your tyres are inflated correctly. The heavier your load, the higher the  pressure needs to be. Always check your tyre pressure when your tyres are cold. 

The easiest way to make sure you’re prepared for your journey is to visit your nearest BestDrive outlet. Their friendly staff will make sure your tyres are in top condition, and that they’re properly balanced and aligned. And they’ll check other important safety features on your car too, including your brakes and your shock absorbers. Happy travels – and be safe out there!