How to Ensure Tyre Safety
Tyre safety is paramount all year round. During Tyre Safety Month, we're highlighting the importance of tyre inspections and the dangers of faulty tyres.
- October is Tyre Safety Month.
- Driving with illegal tyres can result in fines of up to £2,500 for each tyre.
- Astonishingly, one in five drivers have never examined their tyres.
- There are a few simple checks you can do yourself to assess the safety of your tyres.
- Visit your local dealership for a free tyre check from our expert technicians.
Every October, we recognise national Tyre Safety Month. It was founded in 2010 by the charity TyreSafe, with a primary objective to reduce tyre-related accidents on UK roads.
Are your tyres ready for the road ahead?
Did you know that unfit tyres are responsible for hundreds of accidents each year? If your ability to steer and brake effectively is compromised, it is a serious safety risk.
Ensure your tyres are prepared for the next journey, by checking three key elements: pressure, tread, and condition.
Check your tyre pressure
If your tyres are not adequately inflated, you may lose control of your car. Under-inflated tyres also result in increased fuel consumption. This could end up costing you more at the pumps than necessary.
Most fuel stations are equipped with an air dispenser that allows you to check and adjust your tyre pressure.
1. Note the correct tyre pressure for your car in your owner’s handbook.
2. Remove the valve cap from your tyre and attach the pressure gauge. Input the desired pressure on the meter.
3. Depending on the pressure, the machine will either inflate or deflate your tyres to align with the PSI you have entered. A beeping noise will sound once complete, indicating that you can move on to the next tyre.
4. Remember to replace the valve cap on each tyre after using the machine.
Check your tyre tread
It’s a legal requirement that your tyre’s tread depth should meet a minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.
However, many tyre experts claim that 1.6mm is insufficient to ensure full safety. It is generally recommended that you consider replacing a tyre once the central three-quarters of the tread has worn down to 3mm.
You can assess your tyre’s tread depth by inserting a 20p coin into the main tread grooves. If the outer edge of the coin is visible, it suggests your tyres have less than 1.6mm of tread. In such instances, it is advised to get this checked by a professional technician, as a replacement may be necessary.
Check the condition of your tyres
Driving creates wear and tear on your tyres, especially when encountering stones, glass, or debris on the road. It is important to visually examine your tyres for punctures, cracks, or signs of damage. If you uncover anything out of the ordinary, you should have your tyres professionally checked.
A recent study by TyreSafe found that one in five UK drivers have never checked their tyres. This is despite it being a straightforward and essential safety practice.
It is also important to be aware of the penalties associated with unsafe tyres. If you are stopped by police and found to have tyres that aren’t roadworthy, you may receive a fine of up to £2,500 and three points on your licence, per tyre.
Don’t take chances with dodgy tyres. Book a free check at your local Macklin Motors dealership this October. Working with the latest technology, our expert technicians will perform a detailed inspection, for your peace of mind.