The Importance of Your Car Tyres: 5 Ways To Practice Mindfulness in Car Maintenance

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Whether you are more used to the city streets of London, Birmingham or Gloucester or more rural roads in and around Evesham, Stourport-on-Severn or Alvechurch, there is one thing you need to keep at the forefront of your mind: car maintenance.

Breaking down and needing help while on some of Worcestershire’s minor roads, such as the B4084 or the B4191, for example, is no laughing matter. They’re often fast and quite busy at certain times of the day. The same goes if you’re headed to a big city, of course.

Needing to replace a flat tyre in Central London isn’t much fun with so many no-stopping routes. If you are confused about where to get a tyre replacement from – DAT Tyres offers tyres in London but it is better to be prepared with some mindful maintenance before you even get into such an unwelcome situation. What are the best ways of avoiding a mechanical failure on the road?

1. Breathe Deeply

Before you start your engine, take a moment to breathe in and hold your breath as you turn the key. This will allow you to assess the hum of your motor and listen for any small noises that may indicate a problem. Once the motor is up and running, release your breath slowly and begin your journey in a Zen-like state.

2. Remember to Focus on Flow

Achieving mental flow is what many people enjoy most but your car can benefit from improved flow, too. In terms of car maintenance, this means checking the fluids every month. Confirm the oil level, screenwash reservoir and coolant to keep your car in top condition.

3. Tread Lightly With Tyres

Check your car’s tyres for signs of tread wear. This doesn’t have to be too demanding because a light approach every 1,000 miles or so is all you need. You must be thorough when you inspect your tyres, though. Look all the way around each one in turn for signs of premature ageing. Replace tyres with worn-down sections of tread well before they reach the legal limit.

4. Don’t Feel Pressurised

If you’re on the road and feel pressured, the best thing to do is to pull over until you’ve regained your composure. Likewise, tyres should never be over-pressurised so only inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended level, no more. Doing so can seem like a good idea to save you from reinflating them so often but, like so many pressure-related things, it’s a false economy.

5. Maintain Inner Calm

Finally, inner calm isn’t necessarily about your mental state each time you enter your car because this can be affected from the moment you get behind the wheel and buckle up. If your car isn’t clear of clutter, then neither will your mind. Ensure your car is kept reasonably clean inside, choose a calming radio station and set off in your own good time having adjusted the seatbelt, seat position and mirrors to your preferred driving position. Don’t try it on the move: it’s not safe and not good for maintaining mental clarity.