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Tyre Safety

Ensure compliance with legal regulations by checking the safety of your car tyres. Discover the essential tips and tricks below to assess if you need to replace them.

Tread depth

The tyre tread is part of the tyre that comes into contact with the road while the vehicle is in motion. Its purpose is to provide grip and traction on the road surface, which is particularly important in wet or slippery conditions.

As tyres are used, their tread gradually wears down, reducing their effectiveness and performance. Worn-out tyre treads can increase the risk of aquaplaning, where the tyres lose contact with the road and slide on top of the water, leading to loss of control of the vehicle.


How to check your tyre tread

To avoid such risks, it is important to check the depth of the tyre tread regularly, but what is the legal tyre tread depth? In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth for car tyres is 1.6 millimetres across the central three-quarters of the tyre tread, around the entire circumference of the tyre. However, experts recommend replacing tyres before they reach the legal minimum, as the performance and safety of the tyre can be compromised before that point.

To check the tyre tread depth, you can use a tyre tread depth gauge, a small tool that measures the depth of the tread grooves. Alternatively, you can use the "20p test," which involves inserting a 20p coin into the tread groove with the outer band facing down. If you can see the coin's outer band, the tread is too shallow, and the tyre should be replaced.

Regularly checking the tread depth of your tyres is crucial for maintaining their performance and safety, and can help you avoid potential accidents on the road. It is recommended to check the tread depth at least once a month to ensure that your tyres are in good condition.


Tyre pressure

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is an essential aspect of vehicle maintenance that affects both your safety on the road and the overall performance of your tyres. When tyres are underinflated, it can cause them to wear unevenly and quickly, leading to a shorter lifespan for your tyres. In addition, underinflated tyres can decrease fuel efficiency, increase the risk of a blowout, and make your vehicle more difficult to handle, especially in wet or slippery conditions.

What happens if the tyre pressure is too high? Overinflated tyres can also be dangerous as they can cause a bouncy and unstable ride, reduce the amount of grip on the road, and cause the centre of the tyre to wear out more quickly than the edges. Overinflation can also lead to a higher risk of damage or puncture to your tyres.


When should tyre pressure be checked?

To determine the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle, you should refer to your owner's manual. The recommended tyre pressure can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the type of tyres you have installed. Checking your tyre pressure once a month is a good habit to adopt to ensure that your tyres are always properly inflated.

Most petrol stations offer free tyre pressure checks using their air pumps, which often have a built-in pressure gauge. Alternatively, you can purchase a pressure gauge to keep in your car and check your tyre pressure at home. It's important to check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cold, as the pressure can increase when the tyres heat up after driving.

By regularly checking and maintaining your tyre pressure, you can improve your safety on the road, increase your vehicle's fuel efficiency, and extend the life of your tyres.

Compatibility

Choosing the right tyres for your vehicle and driving style is crucial for your safety, comfort, and vehicle performance. Tyres are the only part of your vehicle that make contact with the road, and their quality, type, and condition can affect the handling, braking, fuel efficiency, and overall driving experience.

When it comes to purchasing tyres, you should consider factors such as the type of vehicle you have, the type of driving you do, the weather conditions you encounter, and your budget. Different types of tyres are designed for different purposes, such as summer tyres for dry and warm conditions, winter tyres for cold and icy conditions, all-season tyres for moderate climates, and performance tyres for sports cars and high-speed driving.

You should also pay attention to the tyre size, load capacity, speed rating, and other specifications that are recommended by the vehicle manufacturer and comply with local regulations. Installing the wrong size or type of tyre can lead to poor handling, excessive wear, reduced fuel economy, and even safety hazards.

In addition, you should maintain your tyres properly by checking their pressure, alignment, and tread depth regularly, and replacing them when they are worn or damaged. Driving with worn or underinflated tyres can increase the risk of accidents, as well as increase your fuel consumption and emissions.

Overall, purchasing the right tyres for your vehicle and driving style can improve your driving experience, save you money, and keep you and your passengers safe on the road. Be sure to do your research, consult with experts, and make an informed decision when it comes to buying and maintaining your tyres.

Spare wheel

If you have carried out any of the checks from above and need new car tyres, enter your registration number or tyre sizes into our handy finder to be presented with the most suitable ones for your vehicle.

Looking for the perfect car tyres to fit your vehicle? Simply enter your registration number or tyre sizes into our user-friendly finder and get access to a wide range of the most suitable options available. Whether you've already completed some preliminary checks or are starting fresh, our tool will help you find the best tyres for your car with ease.

* Free next day fitting offered on the majority of orders, earliest fitting time will be listed on site at time of selection, delivery is subject to stock and stock location.