October is tyre safety month, which aims to educate motorists on the importance of regularly checking their tyres. We’ve put together some important information on why you should regularly check that your tyres are safe and road legal.
Why is tyre safety important?
Tyres can often be overlooked when it comes to vehicle maintenance, but they are one of the most critical safety features when it comes to braking, as they are the only part of the car that is in contact with the road. The vehicle you own is your responsibility, therefore you must ensure that your tyres are safe and road legal; not just for your own safety but also for those around you.
The dangers of driving with tyres in poor condition
There are many dangers and consequences to driving with tyres that aren’t deemed as safe. One of the main factors that will be affected is the stopping distance of your vehicle. If your tyres are worn, or the tread depth is too low, your stopping distance will increase – this is highly dangerous as your vehicle is more likely to cause an accident compared to a vehicle with a higher tread depth. For example, a car travelling at 50mph with 3mm tread depth will stop full two-car lengths before that of a car with 1.6mm tyres in wet conditions.
If you are caught with tyres in bad condition, e.g., illegal tread depth, or damage to the sidewall, you could also face a hefty fine of up to £2,500 and 3 points on your license, per tyre. It doesn’t take long and may seem like a tedious task, but you should also check your tyre pressures. A regular check to ensure they are inflated to their recommended pressure will not only extend the life of the tyres but will also improve safety by reducing the risk of losing traction. Inflating tyres to recommended levels will also help improve fuel efficiency, owing to lower road-rolling resistance.
How often should tyres be checked?
In order to maintain driving safety, tyres should be checked regularly to ensure they are roadworthy. You should check your tread depths and tyre pressures at least once a month.
Physical signs of damage such as bumps, cracks or cuts in the tyres are a sign that the tyres could be unsafe, and should be replaced as soon as possible.
You don’t want to get caught out this October, so make sure your tyres are in good condition to keep you, and others, safe on the roads. For more information, visit our introduction to tyre safety page.