After your car has been standing still for some time, it is a good idea to check the tyres to restart safely. Some checks can be made by the driver while for others it is advisable to go to a tyre shop. Distributed worldwide, Pirelli dealers are specialised workshops that offer tyre pressure check and condition inspection services.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Visually inspect the tyres for deformation caused by the prolonged standstill and the weather. Check for damage, cuts and scrapes. Check the inflation pressure and check that the valve caps are closed well.
PRESSURE
Check tyre pressure, including the spare tyre, possibly at a tyre shop that will use professional tools, to ensure performance and safety on the road, in addition to the correct rolling resistance to optimise fuel consumption.
TREAD WEAR
Tread wear must be within the legal limit of 1.6 mm. The tread wear indicator can be used for this purpose. It is a small, 1.6-mm high block positioned at the base of the main tread grooves of the tyre at the height of the TWI indication (standing for "Tread Wear Indicator") in six points at the end of the sidewall. If the indicator is at the tread level, it means that the legal limit has been reached.
Read more: How to recognise tread wear
VIBRATIONS
When restarting after a long stop, pay attention to vibrations that may be transmitted by the wheels through the steering wheel. If they do not go away after the first few miles, inspection by an expert is required as soon as possible.
SEASONAL CHANGE
If the car is still fitting winter tyres when the time to restart comes, it is advisable to go to the tyre shop to fit the summer tyres. By law, however, you can continue to use winter tyres if the speed index corresponds to that shown on the registration certificate. Otherwise, you have until June 15th to change them.
