Tyre Safety: Everything you need to know.

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 Tyre Safety: Long-Term Consequences

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:

1. Early Replacement: Tyres are not inexpensive. By disregarding regular maintenance and safety checks, you run the risk of needing replacements sooner than expected.
   
   
2. Safety Hazards: Beyond the financial aspect, the most distressing consequence of neglecting tyre maintenance is the heightened risk of accidents. Your tyres are the only point of contact your vehicle has with the road. When they are in poor condition, your car's ability to grip the road is compromised.
   
   
3. Increased Fuel Consumption: Tyres play a significant role in your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Underinflated tyres, for example, increase rolling resistance, meaning your car must work harder to move. This leads to higher fuel consumption, ultimately hitting your wallet.
   
   
4. Legal Consequences: Neglecting tyre maintenance can also have legal ramifications. In the UK, driving on tyres below the legal tread depth limit of 1.6mm is not only dangerous but also illegal. Being caught with illegal tyres can result in fines of up to £2,500 per tyre and three penalty points on your driving license per tyre. These penalties not only drain your finances but can also lead to increased insurance premiums.
   
   
5. Loss of Vehicle Control: Well-maintained tyres contribute to your vehicle's stability and handling. Neglected tyres can make your car less responsive to steering inputs, increasing the risk of accidents, especially when navigating sharp turns or unexpected obstacles.

Correct Air Pressure: When to Check

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:

1. Frequency of Checks: Aim to check your tyre pressure at least once a month. Additionally, it's essential to perform this check before any long journeys, ensuring that your tyres are in the best possible condition for extended periods of driving.
   
   
2. Timing Matters: The timing of your pressure check is crucial for accuracy. Tyres should be tested when they are cold, meaning they haven't been driven on for a few hours. When tyres warm up during driving, the air inside them expands, leading to inaccurate pressure readings. For the most precise measurements, check tyres when they are cold.
   
   
3. Finding the Recommended Pressure: The recommended air pressure level for your tyres can vary based on the type of vehicle and its load-carrying capacity. To locate this information, refer to your vehicle's handbook. If you can't find it there, contact the tyre manufacturer directly or consult a trusted professional. Having the correct air pressure ensures your tyres can deliver responsive braking, secure grip, and a longer lifespan.

The Perils of Incorrect Air Pressure

Understanding the impact of incorrect air pressure on your tyres is vital. Both overinflated and underinflated tyres can lead to problems:

1. Overinflated Tyres: When your tyres are overinflated, the contact area between the tyre and the road is reduced. This causes the tyres to wear out more quickly and increases the risk of a sudden blowout.
2. Underinflated Tyres: Conversely, underinflated tyres lead to excessive wear on the tread and shoulders. They also increase rolling resistance, forcing your vehicle to consume more fuel than necessary.

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.

Importance Of Tread Depth

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.

1. The 20p Test: Take a 20p coin and insert it into the main tread grooves of your tyre. Ensure that the coin's outer band is completely hidden within the tread.
2. To get an accurate assessment, repeat this test at several points across the tyre's width and around its circumference.
3. Remember to perform this check on all four of your vehicle's tyres, as they may wear differently.

The 20p Test Explained:

• If the outer band of the 20p coin is fully obscured by the tread, your tyres likely meet the legal minimum requirement. This means they have adequate depth to provide traction and safety in various road conditions.
• If any part of the outer band remains visible above the tread, it indicates that your tyre's tread depth is below the legal limit. In this case, your tyres may be unsafe, and you should consider replacing them as soon as possible.

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.

Legal and Safety Consequences:

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.

Remember To Check Your Tyres

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.