The rainy season brings relief from the heat, but it also brings potholes. Water collects in cracks, the road surface weakens, and before long a smooth stretch becomes an obstacle course. For drivers, that means a higher risk of sidewall bulges, cuts, punctures and bent rims. A little care before and during the rains goes a long way to protecting your tyres, your wheels and your safety.

Check your tyre pressure every week

Correct pressure is your first line of defence. An under-inflated tyre flexes more, so when it hits the sharp edge of a pothole the tyre can be pinched against the rim, damaging the tyre and the wheel. An over-inflated tyre is harder and less able to absorb the shock.

• Use the pressure recommended by your vehicle maker. You will usually find it on a sticker inside the driver's door frame, inside the fuel flap or in the owner's manual.
• Check when the tyres are cold, before driving or after the car has been parked for a while.
• Use a reliable gauge. A small digital gauge costs little and is worth keeping in the car.
• Do not forget the spare tyre. You do not want to find it flat when you need it most.

Drive with potholes in mind

• Slow down on rough stretches. Hitting a pothole at speed causes far more damage than rolling through slowly.
• Leave a safe gap. Keeping your distance from the vehicle in front gives you time to see potholes and avoid them safely.
• Be careful with puddles. Standing water can hide a deep hole. If you cannot see the bottom, treat it with caution.
• Avoid braking hard on top of the pothole. Brake before you reach it, then release the brake as you roll through, so the suspension can absorb the impact.
• Never swerve suddenly. Check your mirrors first. A sudden swerve can be more dangerous than the pothole itself.

Inspect your tyres after a hard knock

If you hit a pothole hard, pull over somewhere safe when you can and take a look. Check for:

• Bulges or bubbles on the sidewall. These mean the internal structure is damaged. A bulging tyre can fail without warning, so replace it, do not repair it.
• Cuts and cracks in the sidewall or tread.
• Dents or cracks in the rim. A bent rim can cause slow air leaks and vibration.
• A change in how the car drives. Pulling to one side, a shaking steering wheel or new noises all need attention.

Keep up with rotation and alignment

Rotating your tyres at the intervals in your owner's manual helps them wear evenly, so you get more life from a set. Pothole impacts can also knock your wheel alignment out. If the car pulls to one side or the steering wheel is no longer straight when driving straight, have the alignment checked. Poor alignment wears tyres quickly and unevenly.

Watch your tread depth

Wet roads need good tread to clear water and keep grip. Most tyres have tread wear indicators, small raised bars in the grooves. When the tread is level with these bars, it is time for new tyres. Uneven wear, such as one edge wearing faster than the rest, often points to pressure or alignment problems.

Replace in pairs where possible

If one tyre is badly damaged and the others are well worn, consider replacing tyres on the same axle as a pair. Matching tyres on an axle helps the car brake and handle evenly.

Need replacement Tyres or rims?

Oseas stocks Tyres and rims for cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles. Visit us in Tanoso, Kumasi, or browse online and tap Enquire Now on any product. You can also call +233 24 354 3747 or +1 (347) 575-7454 and our team will help you find the right fit.