Will My Tyres Be OK If I Haven’t Driven On Them In A While?

Many of us are beginning to get back to normal after the COVID pandemic and starting to get out of the house more - which also means getting behind the driving seat more too. However, if you're like the many people who have left their car standing for a long period of time, then you may be worried about whether your tyres will be ok to be driven on or if they need some attention first. We’ve shared everything you need to consider so that you can enjoy driving safely again.

What Happens When I Leave My Tyres to Stand?

If your car hasn't been taken out for some time, then you may experience a vibration when you first drive it again, which can leave you concerned that the tyres have been damaged. This vibration is typically caused by flat spotting, which is when a tyre develops a flat spot from where it has been parked in one place for some time.

Typically, the flat spots will go after the first drive, and your tyres will go back to normal working order. However, if this doesn't happen, you may need to get your tyres checked for any permanent damage that needs to be addressed for safe driving in the future.

How to Check Your Tyres are Safe and Roadworthy

If you want to check your tyres are safe and roadworthy before you head out on a drive, then the following checks will help you achieve this:

• Check your tyres are not flat – the first thing you will notice when you look at your tyres is if one or more are flat and need to be pumped up. Checking your tyre pressure is vital as you cannot drive on a completely flat tyre and should attach a spare to get you to your nearest air supply or garage for re-inflation.
• Check your tread is legal – whilst standing will not decrease your tyre tread, it is always worth checking that there is a minimum of 3mm of tread available on each tyre.
• Check for any lumps or bumps – sometimes tyres can warp when they are stood for too long, so checking for lumps, bumps, and any other type of damage can also help you to identify if your tyres need to be replaced.
• Check you have the right tyres fitted – if you swap your tyres for winter and summer, it is important to make sure that you have the right tyres fitted, ready for use when you start driving again.

How to Get Help with Your Tyres

If you are concerned about your tyres and want some professional support in checking them over before you start driving more frequently again, then Tyre Pros are here for you. At Tyre Pros, you will get expert advice, honest assessments and work that is completed to a high standard so that you can drive your car with confidence again. Call us today to book an appointment or find out where your local branch is. With Tyre Pros, your road safety is our primary concern!