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Checking your legal tyre tread depth is one of the most important safety checks you can make on your car. At Tyre2you we offer free safety checks on your tyres, just call 01761568118 to book in.
The legal minimum tread depth for cars is 1.6 millimetres. This 1.6 mm should be in a continuous band throughout the central three-quarters of the tread width, throughout the whole of the circumference.
This rule is applicable for Cars and Light trailers including Caravans weighing up to 3,500 Kgs and/or eight passenger vehicles, all these must make sure that the grooves of the tread pattern have a depth of a least 1 mm throughout a continuous band measuring at least three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and round the entire outer circumference of the tyre.
Tyres must be correctly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification for the load being carried. Always refer to the vehicle’s handbook or data. Tyres should also be free from certain cuts and other defects.
How to check tyre tread depth – the 20p test
The 20 pence tyre tread test is a quick and easy way of checking the tyre tread on your car. Just take a 20 pence coin and insert it into the tread grooves on the tyre. If you can't see the outer band on the 20 pence coin, your tyres are above the legal limit. However, if you can see the band and that section of the coin is still visible, your tyres might be unsafe and illegal, pop in to Tyre2you in Radstock where we can offer a free tyre safety check.
The difference in wet braking distance between a tyre worn to 3mm and one worn to 1.6mm can be as much as 44% so it is vital to keep an eye on your tyres. Worn tyres are especially dangerous in the wet because a tyre’s tread helps disperse water away from the contact patch between tyre and road. If there’s less tread depth, less water can be moved, increasing the risk of aquaplaning and losing grip. In pouring rain, each tyre can shift five litres of water every second, proving just how hard tyres work. In layman's terms, deeper tread means they can work better, improving the car's grip.
Aside from the obvious safety risks, there is a chance of a £2,500 fine and three penalty points per tyre for worn tyres. If all four of your tyres are worn below the legal limit, you could potentially lose your licence and face a £10,000 fine.
If a tyre blows out while you are driving, try to keep control of your vehicle. Grip the steering wheel firmly and allow the vehicle to roll to a stop at the side of the road.
If you have a flat tyre, stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Only change the tyre if you can do so without putting yourself or others at risk – otherwise call Tyre2You on 01761568118. We offer a 24-hour emergency mobile tyre fitting service if you break down.
When it comes to tyre pressures, it is really important to Check them weekly. Do this before your journey, when tyres are cold. Warm or hot tyres might give an inaccurate reading. If you are unsure and want us to have a look at your tyres, we will provide a free tyre check at Tyre2you.
Your brakes and steering will be affected by under-inflated or over-inflated tyres. Excessive or uneven tyre wear may be caused by wheels which are out of alignment. At Tyre2you we can carry out these checks in our Radstock depot, we offer free brake checks and a free wheel alignment check to keep you safe on the road.