An autonomous car is a self-driving car – that is, a car that uses advanced technology and the presence of AI to operate with as little human intervention and input as possible.
Over time, cars have become increasingly automated, to the extent that fully self-drive cars now exist and are being tested all over the world. But if a car doesn’t need a human behind the wheel to drive it, who is responsible for checking the tyres and conducting all the other crucial maintenance inspections on the vehicle?
Benefits of Autonomous Cars
Before we dive into the maintenance needs of autonomous cars and how rubber inspections work, it’s first worth noting the benefits of these vehicles and why they are becoming popular.
If a car can drive itself safely without the need for human input, then the benefits are huge. Not only does it enable non-drivers to remain mobile and transport themselves with ease, but it reduces the risk of accidents caused by a lack of concentration or tiredness.
What’s more, driver-less cars can be driven more consistently and smoothly, increasing efficiency – and both the flow of traffic and road safety can be improved.
Of course, that’s not to say there aren’t challenges and limitations, including cost and safety concerns. And one of those challenges revolves around the very topic of this article…
The Continued Need for Proactive Maintenance
In short, even autonomous cars cannot check their own rubber for signs of damage. While the system inside a vehicle can flag potential issues, including punctures and low tyre pressure, the act of inspecting the tyre still has to be done by a human.
This means that self-driving cars still require the presence of human maintenance teams, even as they seek to take over the roads.
What Checks Need to be Carried Out on Self-Drive Car Tyres?
Self-drive cars may have a whole different system controlling the vehicle’s movement, but from the outside they require the same inspections and regular checks as any other vehicle.
That means inspecting the tyres for:
All of these checks require human intervention to keep the car running safely and smoothly.
Our Tyres.co.uk Knowledge Hub is packed with advice on how to maintain vehicle tyres, protecting both their longevity and their performance on different terrains. You can also access direct support from our team, who are experts in tyre selection, comparison, and how to keep tyres running smoothly.
