HOW SAFE ARE YOUR TYRES?
The condition of your tyres is vital for maximum safety, braking, grip and good tyre life.
Here's a few useful pointers to keep you and your family safe...
Air in tyres
- Tyres need to be correctly inflated, without any cuts or bulges. Correctly inflated tyres reduce the risk of accidents, will last longer and will save you money on fuel.
- Tyres can lose air and deteriorate when they are stationary for a long period.
- Your car manual will tell you the right pressure for your tyres. Most petrol stations and garages will have a pressure gauge and air pump, so check when you fill up. At the same time look out for bulges and cuts.
- Remember to check your advisories. If a tyre was close to the minimum tread before the lockdown, now
might be a good time replace the tyre.
Tyre Tread
- The legal tyre tread depth for cars is 1.6mm and the condition of your tyres is key to your safety. This is especially important when roads are wet and icy.
- Turn the steering wheel fully to the left or right. Look for the treadwear indicators which are at the bottom of the tyre grooves. If they are flush with the level of the tread, you need to replace the tyre.
- Another good rule of thumb is the 20p test. Insert a 20p coin into the groove on the tyre. If the tread covers the outer band of the coin the tyre depth is legal. Check the tread depth is even across the tyre.