Think about the last time you actually looked at your tyres. If you are like most UK drivers, it was probably while waiting for the AA to turn up, or right after hitting one of those brutal potholes that seem to be taking over our roads.
Regardless of the vehicle you drive – whether it is an economy hatchback for trips to the shops, a work Transit van full of tools, or a fully electric SUV cruising down the motorway – those four patches of rubber are what keep you connected to the road. It is very easy to let your tyres fall into disrepair through neglect, which is both frightening to experience and something that significantly increases the risk of an accident.
The good news is that you only need to spend five minutes checking your tyres each month. Doing so can help extend tyre life, improve fuel efficiency, and keep your vehicle safer on the road. Here are some simple tyre safety checks every UK driver should know.
1. The 20p Test and Your Tyre Tread
In the UK, we get more than our fair share of rain, and the only thing preventing you from aquaplaning is the tread on your tyres.
Legally, the middle three-quarters of a tyre must have at least 1.6mm of tread depth. However, many tyre safety experts recommend considering replacements once tread drops below 3mm, as stopping distances increase significantly after that point.
You don’t need any specialist equipment to check this. Just grab a 20p coin and place it into the main grooves of the tyre. If the outer band of the coin is hidden, you are generally good to go. If you can see the outer border, your tyres are getting dangerously close to the legal limit and should be replaced.
While you are down there, check how the tyres are wearing. If the edges are wearing faster than the centre, or vice versa, your wheel alignment or tyre pressure may need attention.
2. Eyeing Up Damage and Age
It’s a good idea to inspect your tyres regularly. Look out for cuts, cracks, bulges, nails, or anything else that appears unusual.
Rubber naturally deteriorates over time, even if the vehicle isn’t driven very often. If you want to find out how old your tyres are, check the DOT code on the tyre sidewall. The final four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture.
Many tyre specialists recommend replacing tyres once they reach six years old, regardless of how much tread remains.
While you are carrying out checks, it can also be worth taking a look at the vehicle’s history using a car checker tool, especially if you have recently bought the car. Previous MOT advisories relating to tyres, wheel alignment, or suspension issues can help reveal how well the vehicle has been maintained over the years.
3. Achieve the Right Tyre Pressure
Your car’s handling, braking performance, fuel economy, and even electric vehicle range are all affected by tyre pressure.
Tyres that are overinflated can reduce grip and make the ride feel harsh. Tyres that are underinflated generate excess heat, wear out more quickly, and can become a safety risk.
You should check your tyre pressure at least once a month when the tyres are cold. The correct PSI can normally be found in your owner’s manual, on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame, or on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
If your TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) warning light appears on the dashboard, don’t ignore it. Top up the tyres as soon as possible and reset the system if required.
What About Seasonal Tyres?
Most UK drivers use summer tyres or all-season tyres throughout the year because of our relatively mild climate.
However, if you live in a rural area or somewhere that regularly experiences snow and ice, winter tyres can make a noticeable difference once temperatures fall below 7°C.
If you use winter tyres, most experts recommend fitting them during late autumn before the colder weather arrives. Winter tyres also perform best with at least 4mm of tread depth to help clear snow and slush effectively.
If you run all-season tyres year-round, rotating them every 6,000 miles can help ensure more even wear and extend their lifespan.
The Legal Sting
Defective tyres are something the police take very seriously.
Driving with tyres below the legal tread limit, or tyres with exposed cords, significant damage, or dangerous defects, can result in a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre.
In the worst cases, drivers with multiple illegal tyres can face substantial fines, penalty points, and MOT failure issues.
Considering how little time it takes to carry out a basic tyre inspection, it is simply not worth the risk.
Final Thoughts
A quick tyre check once a month can save you money, improve fuel efficiency, help your vehicle pass its MOT, and most importantly, keep you safe on the road.
Tyres are easy to forget about because they sit out of sight at the corners of the car, but they are one of the most important safety features your vehicle has. Spend five minutes checking them today, and you could avoid a much bigger problem tomorrow.