Choosing the correct type of tyres for your van is very important, as is regular maintenance. Below we share some tips on how to look after your van’s tyres.

The importance of choosing the correct tyres

The correct tyre is essential in helping the van cope with heavy loads, rigorous journeys and varying road conditions. Ultimately, van tyres need to be hard wearing and tough.

There are many things you should look for when choosing van tyres.

Tread

Tyre tread is very important. The tyre tread needs to be 1.6mm or more, as stipulated by UK law. Having the correct tyre tread for your van improves handling, responsiveness and overall safety when driving.

Pressure

When your van tyres are inflated to the correct pressure, then this greatly improves the safety of your vehicle. If tyres are inflated incorrectly, then this will result in more wear and tear of your tyres and ultimately cost you more money, as they will need to be changed more regularly. Your fuel consumption will also increase, resulting in yet more expense. Check your model of a van to find out what the correct tyre pressure should be. The pressure of your tyres will also change depending on how heavy the load is, so always check tyre pressure once the van has been loaded. One great tip here is to check the tyres when they are cold, as you get an accurate result.

The condition of your van tyres

Your van’s tyres should be inspected at least every 4 weeks, or before embarking upon long journeys. Van tyres are subjected to a lot of use and can easily accumulate debris in the treads. You also need to be vigilant for any cracks or bulges in the sidewall of the tyre, as these can prove fatal.

Alignment of wheels

Vans have to navigate multiple road surfaces, busy streets and are on the road more often than cars. For this reason, it is very easy for them to drive into potholes on the road and to hit kerbs, both of which can misalign the wheels and damage tyres. If you find that you are having to correct your driving, due to the van veering off to one side; or if one side of the tyre is more worn, then you need to get your wheels checked to make sure that they are aligned correctly.