Planning a road trip? Maybe you’re heading upcountry for the weekend, travelling for work, or simply preparing for a long drive.

Before you start the engine and hit the road, take a few minutes to check your tyres.

It doesn’t require special equipment or a mechanical degree. A simple inspection can help you spot problems before they become serious.

1. Check the tyre pressure

Start with the pressure in all four tyres.

Don’t guess by looking at them. A tyre can look perfectly normal while being underinflated.

Use a pressure gauge or visit a nearby tyre centre and check the pressure against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended figures.

And don’t forget the spare tyre.

2. Look for visible damage

Walk around the car and inspect each tyre.

Look for:

  • Cuts
  • Cracks
  • Bulges
  • Punctures
  • Objects stuck in the tread
  • Exposed cords

If you notice a serious bulge or damage on the sidewall, don’t ignore it simply because the tyre is still holding air.

3. Check the tread

Your tyres need enough tread to maintain proper contact with the road, particularly when the road is wet.

Look for uneven wear as well. If one side of the tyre is wearing much faster than the other, there could be an alignment, suspension or inflation problem.

4. Check your spare

The spare tyre tends to be forgotten until the exact moment you need it.

Before a long trip, check its pressure and condition. Also make sure the jack and wheel spanner are in the car.

There is nothing quite like getting a puncture in the middle of nowhere and discovering your spare has been sitting there flat for the last six months.

5. Don’t overload the car

If you’re travelling upcountry with luggage, shopping and half the contents of the house in the boot, remember that your vehicle has a maximum load capacity.

Excessive weight puts additional stress on the tyres and other vehicle components.

Pack what you need and stay within the manufacturer’s recommended limits.

One final check

If a tyre doesn’t look right, don’t take chances.

Get it inspected before the journey. A few minutes spent checking your tyres at home or at a tyre centre is much better than discovering a problem halfway through your trip.

Safe journeys start before you leave the driveway.