TIME FOR THE PRE-SUMMER TYRE CHECK

need to replace the tyres immediately. Its performance will not be optimal on the road, increasing fuel consumption, and, more importantly, reducing the functionality which, in turn, increases the risk of an incident. In Spain, there is a legal limit for tyre wear, which is measured by checking the tread. If the depth is less than 1.6 millimetres, you should not drive. Not only do you expose yourself to suffering a mishap, but the authorities will end up fining you. Along with this, try to check that the tyre has no visible tears, cracks or cuts. Use your hands to feel all around the tyre, including the inside of the wheel, hidden from view. Also check that the tyre is not discoloured or has spots on its surface, or unusual bulges and flank holes, another danger sign.

Make sure you are aware of this, and even try to park in a cool and shaded place first, remembering to allow the tyres to cool down if you have driven there.

Prior to the summer, and despite the drought the country is feeling, rain may still play a part, for which the tread and depth are crucial for maintaining traction on the road surface. If, or when, it does actually rain, the roads become particularly slippery after a long dry spell, so extra attention to driving is paramount.

The tyres are the most abused element of a vehicle and must be checked on a regular basis. Because of their abuse, in constant contact with the road, faults and deflations are commonplace. Although they should be checked regularly, at least monthly, we understand that most people don´t, but we do really encourage you to do so at least before any long trip, and seasonally, such as now, just before summer starts.

It is important that you verify that the pressure is adequate and that the tread of the tyre is not degraded. Pay attention to the wear indicators, which are cross bars in the grooves of the tread. If the mark is exceeded, you will

If you are in any doubt, you should contact a qualified tyre-capable workshop to check your tyres, such is their importance.

Remember, in Spain, if a fault is detected in one of the tyres, the tyre on the opposing side of the same axle must also be replaced. When we do get to summer, heat poses a problem for tyres, and the pressure must always be checked when the tyres are cold, so the hot weather can give false readings.

Whatever the weather, if you are going on a drive carrying extra weight than usual, whether that is in the shape of human passengers or luggage, make sure your tyres are able to carry the load first, and then that they are properly inflated for the load you are carrying, which might be different to normal.

All of the data is in the user manual of your car, and most modern cars now have an information plate, usually attached to a door frame, giving tyre information, but, again, if in doubt, check with a qualified mechanic. Finally, don't forget to check the spare tyre, if your vehicle has a spare wheel, which also must be in perfect condition and properly inflated.

The Church of JESUS

CHRISTof Latter-Day Saints in Torrevieja meet at 10.00 each Sunday in their chapel at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia, 104. All Welcome. Phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 659 016 733

Join us at the SALTCHURCH

Sundays at 10.30 am. We are a friendly church, bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship. Meets at Calle Daya Nueva 12, PolÌgono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. We look forward to meeting you. www.Saltchurchspain.

Facebook SaltChurchSpain

International Christian Assembly, Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, TorreviejaEvangelical non-denominational church. Sunday service 11a.m.; Sunday school; Prayer meetings; craft and computer clubs. Ladies Bible Study: Thursday 11a.m.

Church Bible Study: Thursday 1.30p.m. House groups in Torrevieja, La Siesta ñ Contact: 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. www.icatorrevieja.org

The Car of the Month at AUTOMOVILES CRESPO is a 2021 Ford Focus ST-Line

X Petrol Automatic which is priced at just 25,500 euro. Come along to our large showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. See page7. We can assure you of the biggest and best in the area for price, choice and quality.

ENGLISH SPOKEN

Los Alc·zares Digital Camera Club. Interested in photography? We invite you to come and join us at our twice monthly meetings. Please contact coordinatorladcc@ gmail.com or see http://www.los-alcazarescamera.club/ for details.

COMMUNITYCARE ASSOCIATION (CCA) is an Association that caters for residents of Orihuela Costa over 60 years of age. It facilitates the provision of fair and adequate social facilities for everyone. It is located at the Centro Civico Alameda del Mar. Open 3 times a week for a programme of English speaking activities, support, information and advice with the support of Orihuela Council. Anyone wanting to join CCAsocial activities, learn Spanish, to paint, watercolours or acrylics can pop along where you will be welcomed by volunteers. We are open between 2pm -6pm Mondays and Thursdays, Wednesday 2pm - 5pm. You can register between 1pm & 2pm on those days, in the Cafe area where you will find Eva or Norah. email: communitycare@gmail.com

Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50ís. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Home Visiting Team to visit a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. Call into our centre at C/Paganini s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887. Or email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es

Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 5pm at the Lakeview bar/restaurant, Quesada. For more info contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on +44 7576 117 222, Secretary Steve Hemingfield 0n Mob/Whats 711 011 373 The RAFACosta Blanca RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the RAFAand the RMG is via the RAFA website rafa.org.uk.