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Help and Advice
October is Tyre Safety month - an annual campaign championed by the charity TyreSafe to raise awareness about the importance of tyre maintenance and safety checks.
So we thought it would be the perfect time to go over some important tyre safety practices.
Your car's tyres are its only point of contact with the road, making them one of the most crucial components for your safety on the road.
Neglecting proper tyre maintenance and safety checks can result in serious consequences, both for your wallet and your well-being.
Neglecting the health of your vehicle's tyres may seem harmless in the short term, but the long-term repercussions can affect you both financially and, more alarmingly, physically.
Here are the potential outcomes of not paying due attention to your car tyres:
Maintaining the proper air pressure in your tyres is a fundamental aspect of responsible vehicle ownership. The air pressure affects your safety, fuel efficiency, and the longevity of your tyres.
To ensure your tyres are in optimal condition, you must check their air pressure regularly. Here's when and how to do it:
Understanding the impact of incorrect air pressure on your tyres is vital. Both overinflated and underinflated tyres can lead to problems:
Maintaining the right air pressure in your tyres is a simple yet effective way to optimise their performance and your overall driving experience. This is true for all vehicle types - from I.C.E to EV tyres.
It not only ensures your safety but also contributes to better fuel efficiency and a longer lifespan for your tyres, ultimately saving you money and hassle in the long run.
Tyre tread depth plays a critical role in ensuring your safety on the road. It directly affects your vehicle's grip, stability, and its ability to handle different road conditions. Particularly wet surfaces.
Tread Depth Legal Requirements:
In the United Kingdom, the legal minimum tread depth for tyres is 1.6mm across 75% of the width of the tread and around the entire circumference.
Checking Tread Depth:
To check if your tyres meet the legal tread depth requirements, you can use a tread depth gauge or a simple yet effective method involving a 20p coin.
The 20p Test Explained:
Impact on Safety:
Maintaining sufficient tread depth is crucial for your safety on the road, especially during adverse weather conditions like rain or snow.
Tread patterns are designed to channel water away from the tyre's contact patch, preventing aquaplaning and maintaining grip.
Driving with Low Tread Depth:
Driving on tyres with tread depths below the legal limit significantly increases stopping distances. This reduced grip can lead to loss of control, especially when braking or navigating corners.
It's vital to remember that your vehicle's safety systems, such as ABS and stability control, rely on the tyres' ability to maintain contact with the road.
Driving with tyres below the legal tread depth can result in fines of up to £2,500 per tyre and penalty points on your driving license.
Regularly checking your tyre's tread depth is a simple yet vital aspect of tyre maintenance. It ensures your safety, compliance with the law, and the optimal performance of your vehicle.
Neglecting this essential check can compromise your safety on the road and lead to legal consequences. It's a small effort that can make a significant difference in your overall driving experience.
Don't take chances with your safety or your wallet. Regularly check your tyres for air pressure, tread depth, and overall condition.
If you're uncertain, many garages and tyre fitting centres offer tyre safety checks, providing expert guidance to keep you and your tyres in top shape. Make tyre safety a priority before you drive on the road.
We love to hear from our customers. Connect with us today and let’s start a conversation.