School Holidays Are Here: But Is Your Car Ready for the Journey?

The school holidays are one of the busiest times of the year on UK roads. Whether you're heading to the coast, visiting family, or setting off on a staycation, spending just a few minutes checking your vehicle before you leave can help you avoid unnecessary delays and improve your safety on the road. 

At Blackcircles.com, we know your tyres are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle. They're the only part of your car in direct contact with the road, so their condition plays a vital role in braking, steering and overall vehicle performance. 

You might expect a near miss or frightening moment on the road to encourage drivers to check their vehicle... but that's often not the case. Research from TyreSafe, the UK's dedicated tyre safety charity, found that only 11% of drivers checked their tyres after a near miss or scare, while 22% admitted they did nothing at all. 

Rather than waiting until something goes wrong, taking a few simple precautions before you travel can help give you confidence for the journey ahead. 

Before you set off on your next family adventure, here are five essential tyre safety checks that can help keep you and your loved ones safe. 
 

5 Essential Car Checks Before Your School Holiday Journey

1. Check Your Tyre Pressure

Incorrect tyre pressures can affect your vehicle's handling, increase fuel consumption and cause tyres to wear more quickly. They can also increase your stopping distance, particularly if you're travelling with a fully loaded car. 
 
Always check your tyre pressures when the tyres are cold and use the manufacturer's recommended settings. 
 
Your recommended tyre pressures may change when you're carrying extra passengers or luggage, so it's worth checking your vehicle handbook or the sticker inside the driver's door to make sure you're using the correct pressures for a fully loaded vehicle. 
 

Here is some more information on how to check your tyre pressure…

2. Check Your Tread Depth – Try the 20p Test

Your tyre tread helps channel water away from the surface of the road, maintaining grip and reducing the risk of aquaplaning. As tread wears down, your tyres become less effective, especially in wet weather. 

 The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. However, many drivers choose to replace their tyres before they reach this limit, as braking performance can begin to reduce as tread wears. 
 
A quick way to check your tyres is by using the 20p test:

• Insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre. 
• If the outer band of the coin is completely hidden, your tread is likely to be above the legal minimum. 
• If you can see the outer band of the coin, your tread may be approaching or below the legal limit and your tyres should be checked as soon as possible.

​​​​ Remember to check all four tyres and inspect the tread in several places around each one, as tyres don't always wear evenly. Even if your tyres have plenty of tread remaining, look for signs of ageing such as cracks or weathering.  

If you're ever unsure about their condition, it's always best to have them inspected by a professional before setting off on a long journey. 

3. Look for Damage

Before setting off, take a walk around your vehicle and look for any obvious signs of damage, including: 

• Cuts or cracks 
• Bulges in the sidewall 
• Objects embedded in the tread 
• Uneven tyre wear 

If you notice anything unusual, don't ignore it. Damage such as sidewall bulges can indicate internal tyre failure and should be inspected before travelling. 
 

Remember to ACT Now 
 

A simple way to remember the three most important tyre safety checks you have just completed is the ACT acronym: 

• A – Air: Check your tyre pressures when the tyres are cold and inflate them to the manufacturer's recommended levels. 
• C – Condition: Look for cuts, cracks, bulges, age of tyre, embedded objects and signs of uneven wear. 
• T – Tread: Ensure your tyres have sufficient tread depth to maintain grip and braking performance. 

Before every long journey, take a minute to ACT. These three quick checks can help improve your safety, reduce the risk of tyre-related issues and give you greater confidence on the road. 

4. Don't Forget the Spare Wheel

If your vehicle has a  spare wheel, make sure it's properly inflated and in good condition. If your vehicle uses a tyre repair kit instead, check that it's complete and within its expiry date.
 

5. Consider Your Load 

Holiday packing can quickly add up. Extra passengers, luggage, bikes or roof boxes all increase the load on your tyres and can affect your vehicle's handling and braking performance. 

Take care not to exceed your vehicle's maximum weight and ensure your tyres are suitable for the load you're carrying. 

If you're using a roof box or bike rack, remember these can affect your vehicle's handling and fuel economy, so allow extra time for braking and cornering. 
 

What other car checks should I make beyond my tyres?

Tyres are only one part of preparing for a safe journey. Before setting off, it's also worth checking: 

• Engine oil and coolant levels.
• Windscreen washer fluid. 
• Lights and indicators. 
• Windscreen wipers. 
• Brakes, if you've noticed any unusual noises or changes in performance. 

 
Don't forget the other essentials: Check that your MOT, car insurance and road tax are all up to date. We don’t want any nasty surprises during the trip.  

Drive for the Road Conditions

Summer roads can still present hazards, from sudden heavy rain to increased traffic around popular holiday destinations. Leave plenty of space between vehicles, avoid harsh braking or acceleration, and take regular breaks on longer journeys. Driver fatigue is a significant contributor to road traffic incidents, so plan rest stops every two hours where possible.

Tips on driving in the sun can be found here! 

A Safe Journey Starts Before You Leave

Tyre safety isn't just about avoiding unexpected breakdowns, it's about maintaining grip, reducing braking distances and helping protect everyone in your vehicle, as well as other road users. 

Alongside checking your tyres, remember to top up your engine oil, coolant and windscreen washer fluid, ensure all lights are working correctly, and plan regular breaks during longer journeys. 

Most tyre-related issues are preventable with a few simple routine checks. Spending just ten minutes inspecting your vehicle before setting off could save hours stranded at the roadside and, more importantly, help keep you, your family and other road users safe. 

As you head off to enjoy the school holidays, make vehicle safety part of your travel routine. A few minutes of preparation before you turn the key can make all the difference to your journey. 

Here When You Need Us

Whether you've spotted excessive tyre wear, need a replacement before you travel, or simply want peace of mind ahead of your holiday, Blackcircles.com makes it easy to  find the right tyres for your vehicle.  

With thousands of fitting appointments available through our  trusted network of local garages across the UK, you can get road-trip ready with confidence. 

Before you head off this summer, take a few minutes to check your tyres. It's a small investment of time that can make a big difference to your journey. 

Have a fantastic school holiday! and wherever you're heading, travel safely.