New tyres?

AliceBanned

Well I had a good look. Can't see a nail. After a few days the pressure had gone down a little bit - about 26/7 from 28. It's hard to see on my pressure gauge/pump. I have filled them all to 28 - they were all around 25-6 as I hadn't checked for months.

I check the oil regularly anyway - and coolant. All fine.

I even filled up her screen wash. It has been empty for a few weeks. The FordKa has a ridiculously small screenwash thing, fits about a small cup of water.

Thanks for all your advice. I didn't take the wheel off. Haven't actually checked spare tyre or whether I have one either. I'm keeping a close eye on it now.

AliceBanned

OK so now I've found the manual. I'm going to keep it in the glove compartment in future.

I'm not sure I've understood the chart correctly. Front tyres between 37-44. Depending on tyre size.

I have just put them all at 28. mine is 6.1L engine. :cool:

AliceBanned

nobbysn*ts wrote: »

They don't normally go down for no reason. And depending how flat, and how long you have driven on them, some sidewall damage could occur. You're probably better going to a tyre dealers, and seeing if you need a tyre repair, for maybe a nail, or a new valve, or if the sidewall is damaged, a new tyre. Problem is finding one that won't just want to sell you a new tyre regardless.

Thanks. It is going in for an interim service next month. I think that's my best bet as it hasn't been looked at (apart from MOT in Feb) for about a year.

I don't suppose sidewall damage would show?

nobbysn*ts

AliceBanned wrote: »

Thanks. It is going in for an interim service next month. I think that's my best bet as it hasn't been looked at (apart from MOT in Feb) for about a year.

I don't suppose sidewall damage would show?

From the outside it's usually cracking, gouging to the sidewall, sometimes the writing is worn in a lined pattern around the tyre.

JonathanA

Hi AliceBanned

Is there someone you can ask to check the tyres for you? The tyre pressure does depend on the size of the tyre (numbers and letters on the side wall of the tyre tell you the size) and your tyres may still be under inflated.

Your tyres may be either 165/60R14, or they may be 195/45R16, it would be worth looking at the tyres to see.

Also if you have never changed them and have done over 15,000 miles in them, it would be worth checking the tread depth to make sure they are still legal. I don't think I would be waiting until your service in July to find this out, depending on when in July the service is done.

The tyres are what keep you on the road, so for your own safety, it's important they are checked regularly and at the right pressure. If there isn't anyone to ask to check, find a local garage and ask them to check for you whilst you wait, I'm sure they will!

tonyh66

AliceBanned wrote: »

OK so now I've found the manual. I'm going to keep it in the glove compartment in future.

I'm not sure I've understood the chart correctly. Front tyres between 37-44. Depending on tyre size.

I have just put them all at 28. mine is 6.1L engine. :cool:

WOW a 6.1L engine in a Ka it must be like driving a Bugatti Veyron

AliceBanned

tonyh66 wrote: »

WOW a 6.1L engine in a Ka it must be like driving a Bugatti Veyron

Think the StreetKa is the same. They are pimped up that's for sure..I had to keep myself in check and suddenly realised why the insurance premiums were a bit higher than most small cars..A lot of my friends have luxury cars but I know they are missing out on all the fun..;)

AliceBanned

JonathanA wrote: »

Hi AliceBanned

Is there someone you can ask to check the tyres for you? The tyre pressure does depend on the size of the tyre (numbers and letters on the side wall of the tyre tell you the size) and your tyres may still be under inflated.

Your tyres may be either 165/60R14, or they may be 195/45R16, it would be worth looking at the tyres to see.

Also if you have never changed them and have done over 15,000 miles in them, it would be worth checking the tread depth to make sure they are still legal. I don't think I would be waiting until your service in July to find this out, depending on when in July the service is done.



The tyres are what keep you on the road, so for your own safety, it's important they are checked regularly and at the right pressure. If there isn't anyone to ask to check, find a local garage and ask them to check for you whilst you wait, I'm sure they will!

Thanks - it did pass MOT in Feb in that state, so I'm sure it is probably ok - but i take your point. there was nothing advisory in the MOT.

I'm going to check the tyre sizes today. i spoke to a friend on the phone and am going to show a friend the chart later today. As it is a small car they can't make sense of these tyre pressures on the chart. She's small but sporty..:)

AliceBanned

nobbysn*ts wrote: »

From the outside it's usually cracking, gouging to the sidewall, sometimes the writing is worn in a lined pattern around the tyre.

Thanks - I asked as I thought I saw a small crack at the side, but wasn't sure whether part of the tyre pattern.

Thanks everyone and don't worry, I'm giving them a thorough check again today and asking a friend too.:)

barbiedoll

tonyh66 wrote: »

WOW a 6.1L engine in a Ka it must be like driving a Bugatti Veyron

It won't just need new tyres, it will need a heat shield on the bonnet!
:rotfl::rotfl: