End-of-lockdown checks - tires

After a nearly three-month-long stop, in addition to the battery, the tires are the car components most likely to have been damaged. Before setting off again, it is essential to check the tire pressure, because as we have often repeated, correct pressure is the prerequisite for proper road grip, and therefore for safe driving. We should check that the values correspond to those indicated in the car's service manual or, even better, have them checked by a tire specialist, who has more precise instruments. Another risk associated with immobility is what is known as flat-spotting: the flattening of the tire, crushed by the weight of the vehicle bearing down on the same spot for a prolonged period. Usually, these are minor deformations that recover within a few kilometers of driving, when the tires reach their optimal operating temperature. However, if unusual vibrations and noise persist, the ovalization could be more serious, perhaps because they are sports tires or because the pressure was already too low at the time of the stop. In this case, it is necessary to take the car to a professional. Let's get back on the road safely!