MOT mechanic shares little-known tyre tip which could save you hundreds as weather gets cold… and it’s totally free
AN MOT mechanic has shared a little-known tyre tip which could save you hundreds – and it’s completely free.
Craig from Walsall Wood Tyre & Service in Walsall, West Midlands, urged drivers to keep on top of their maintenance as the weather turns colder.
Speaking in a TikTok clip he said: “Tyre pressure monitoring light come on this morning? Tyres all look good?
“There’s a very good reason for this.
“It is due to the fact that the tyres have slightly deflated.”
This is, Craig explained, due to the fact that, as temperatures drop, so does the pressure of the air in the tyres.
Manufacturers do allow for a range of pressures since the air expands as the tyres heat up through use, but you need to make sure it hasn’t dropped below the minimum threshold.
Craig added: “Just because your tyres don’t look flat, chances are the pressure will be slightly different.
“Do go and get them checked before you reset that pesky little light.”
Fortunately, you can check your tyre pressure at most petrol stations and this is, usually, completely free.
Likewise, many garage chains, such as Halfords, offer free tyre checks especially ahead of winter.
Alternatively, you can pick up a pressure gauge online for as little as £1.75 from Amazon and do it at home.
Acceptable pressure ranges will vary by the make and model of your car but specific figures can be found in your owner’s manual.
This could end up saving you big in the long run as driving on deflated tyres can damage both the rubber and the wheels beneath.
According to Check A Trade, mid-range tyres can cost up to £75 each to replace, while for alloy wheels this can rise to £115 per wheel.
Social media commenters lapped up the helpful advice.
One wrote: “I always check my tyre pressures every week.”
It comes after a car cleaning expert warned drivers about a key error commonly made when using a pressure washer.
Meanwhile, the most prolific speed camera in the UK was revealed after snaring almost 100,000 drivers in three years.