Road safety is a keystone on which ReifenDirekt.de, which belongs to Europe’s leading online retailer of tyres, car parts and accessories Delticom, has been relying for over a decade now. The tyre specialist is dedicated to spreading awareness of how proper tyre choice and maintenance is important when it comes to keeping motorists off the harm’s way. Studies show that the general knowledge regarding various aspects of tyre safety is quite low among drivers. That is why ReifenDirekt.de joins in the discussion about the importance of tyre education of young drivers and soon-to-be-drivers.

“We believe that tyre education is key to drivers’ safety on the road. It should be introduced at the early stages of driving license courses to form good habits in soon-to-be-drivers”, says Thierry Delesalle from ReifenDirekt.de. With inexperienced drivers’ safety awareness in mind, ReifenDirekt.de prepared a three-point list of the areas that ought to be given special attention in tyre education.

Tyre selection

It is crucial for young drivers to be able to choose right tyres for their cars. Here, no experiments are allowed since too wide or too narrow tyres can lead to dangerous accidents. Motorists should always consult the tyre placard, normally located on a door frame, door edge, glove box door, or owner's manual for the original tyre size, speed rating and recommended tyre pressure. Also, it is advised to replace all four tyres at the same time to keep vehicle’s optimal maneuverability and performance. If, however, it is not possible, the new tyres should always be placed on the rear axle of the vehicle.

Tyre check

Regular tyre checkups should be a matter of habit for every driver. Tyres which are not in a tip-top condition may pose a risk on the road. Young motorists should be taught how they can perform a quick inspection of tyres and what they should pay attention to. The most important tyre maintenance procedures are:

  • Tread depth check - although the minimum legal requirement in Germany is a tread depth of 1.6 mm, safety experts recommend a tread depth of 3 and 4 mm for summer and winter tyres respectively.
  • Tyre pressure check - tyres should always be inflated in accordance with the car manufacturer’s specifications. Tyre pressure should be checked at least once a month, preferably on cold tyres, and always before a longer journey.
  • Tyres general condition check – tyres should be inspected for any cracks, slits or blisters on the sidewalls or on the surface, as fissures of any kind may lead to dangerous air leaks.

Tyre markings

Knowing how to read tyre markings and understanding their meaning is a vital part of tyre education. Premium should be put on speed and load indexes as well as on the EU tyre label. It is important for young drivers to know that replacement tyres should always equal or exceed the original equipment tyres with regard to load and speed capabilities. Tyres which are loaded beyond their allowable maximum or driven on with excessive speed may build up too much heat and get destroyed. Also, fuel efficiency, wet grip and noise emission markings can tell young drivers a great deal about the safety and comfort of driving on the tyres of their choice. The ability to read and interpret these labels will let motorists make informed purchase decisions and take a better care of their own safety.

Important as they are, all aspects of tyre educations may be at first difficult to remember for young drivers. This is why it would be beneficial for them to have one trusted tyre provider that can support them at any time. ReifenDirekt.de is a long-time expert in tyres, car parts and accessories with a specialized team always ready to advise, explain and help. Except for expert knowledge, the online shop offers its young and slightly older customers almost all kinds of models, brands and sizes of tyres that will keep them safe on the road.

Buying tyres online:

www.reifendirekt.de, www.reifendirekt.at, www.reifendirekt.ch, www.123pneus.ch, www.autobandenmarkt.nl, www.123pneus.fr, www.mytyres.co.uk, www.gommadiretto.it, www.neumaticos-online.es and in many other Delticom online shops.

All about tyres from A to Z: www.reifen.de

Tyre tests: www.reifentest.com

Information about the company: www.delti.com