Inspecting your car tyres is an essential part of car maintenance. Doing this regularly will help protect the safety of you, your passengers and other drivers on the road. A quick inspection is all that’s needed to identify potential issues early and avoid bigger problems and costs later on.

In 2023, 190 people in Great Britain were killed or seriously injured due to collisions resulting from defective tyres according to government data. Over the last 10 years, this figure adds up to more than 1,800 people so it’s crucial that tyres are safe.

Which? Trusted Trader In'n'Out Autocentres is highlighting the potential dangers of driving on defective tyres. We spoke to Jon Morgan, CEO of In‘n’Out Autocentres and a supporter of tyre maintenance awareness charity TyreSafe, to get his expert advice on checks you can perform at home. 

Jon recommends checking your tyres at least once a month to stay safe on the roads – more frequently if you’re a high-mileage driver. If you often drive long distances, you should check your tyres before every long journey. Follow the steps below to ensure your car tyres are road safe.

1. Tyre condition 

Inspecting your tyres for any wear and tear or damage is an easy check any motorist can do at home. Remove any stones or debris wedged in the tread and keep an eye out for any cracks or bulges as these are the number one sign of tyre failure. 

The cold weather can exacerbate existing damage, such as sidewall cracks or punctures, and problems that can lead to tyre blowouts. A quick check of the overall condition of your tyres can help you identify any issues before they become serious.

2. Tyre tread depth 

Tread depth refers to the depth of the grooves in your tyres, and it's essential to check them regularly. 

By law, your car tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm in a continuous band across the central three quarters of the entire width of the tyre. This applies to light vans and light trailers as well as cars. For motorcycles, large vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles the minimum legal tread is 1mm.

An easy way to check the depth of your tread is using the 20p test. Insert a 20p coin into the grooves of your tyre. If you can't see the outer band on the coin, your tyres are above the legal limit. If the band section of the coin is still visible, your tyres could be unsafe and require professional inspection by a technician.

During the winter months, adequate tread depth is crucial so your tyres have enough tread to grip the road in the snow and ice.

Driving with worn tyres is not only a serious safety risk, but a costly one too. In the UK, the fine for tyres with tread below the legal limit is £2,500 plus three points on your licence per tyre, so it's really important to check them monthly for any signs of damage or wear.

3. Air pressure

Ensuring your tyres are at the recommended pressure is key to maintaining your tyres. Cold temperatures can cause tyre pressures to drop, and underinflated tyres lead to poor handling, increased wear and using extra fuel. Over-inflated tyres can cause uneven wear, which could result in parts of the tyres becoming illegal.

Check pressures using a tyre pressure gauge. To get the most accurate readings, check them when your car hasn’t been driven for a few hours and the tyres are cold. 

Attach your tyre pressure gauge to the valve on the wheel rim (after removing the dust cap), press down evenly to ensure a tight seal, then read the measurement. Your vehicle handbook will tell you what pressure you should have in your tyres, so let air out or refill them if necessary.

Modern vehicles are fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that alerts the driver to any changes in the pressure by illuminating a light on the dashboard of the car. If the TPMS light is on, this indicates an issue that needs checking urgently.

4. Tyre age

Using the sidewall of the tyre, check the age of each of the tyres fitted to your car (including the spare). 

Look for the DOT (Department of Transportation) code on the sidewall. This code usually consists of a series of numbers and letters. The last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture. For example, if the last four digits are 4422, it means the tyre was made in the 44th week of 2022. 

If your tyres are over five years old, the German BRV (the industry body for the German tyre trade) recommends that they’re replaced as they can degrade over time. The rubber compound can lose elasticity, leading to reduced grip and an increased risk of blowouts.

If there’s something you’re unsure of, always seek expert advice from a tyre/car specialist.

‘We encourage all our customers to take a moment to check their tyres regularly,’ Jon Morgan adds. ‘Proper maintenance not only extends the life of your tyres but also ensures your safety on the road.’

More winter driving tips

Winter can make driving hazardous for a range of reasons. The following tips will help you stay safe in wintry conditions:

  • De-ice your windscreen before you set off.
  • Completely clear all your windows to ensure you can easily see what’s around you.
  • Remove any snow from your car’s roof, boot and bonnet.
  • Demist your windscreen and rear window before and during your journey.
  • Use the pedals and steering gently.
  • Drive on major roads wherever possible.
  • Slow down.

 

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