Tyre Checks are Vital!
Motorists with worn tyres in winter could be more dangerous on the roads than drunk drivers!
Your stopping distances increase by more than 1/3rd when driving tyres at the legal 1.6mm limit. But that’s the bare minimum! 2mm will give you a safer drive.
How do you know if your tyres are legal?
Between the treads are warning bars, bits of rubber between the treads. When you have worn your tyres down to this level the tread is 2mm and its time to get them replaced to ensure your vehicle remains safe in all conditions. There are also tyre depth gauges available or even credit card type tyre company cards with the edge cut off which when placed into the tyre tread will indicate where its red, not legal, the legal limit amber, or green meaning you’re good to go.
If you have any concerns about your tyres –
Do seek advice from a reputable garage with a tyre bay or a local tyre outfit friends recommend you too – and don’t opt for second hand tyres – you don’t know their history – they may have come off a write off or vehicle involved in an accident. There may be damage that cannot be seen. Tread carefully!
If you are in a leased vehicle you are responsible for the tyres.
You’ll get three points on your licence for every illegal tyre found. So the fact its not your vehicle has no bearing. The tyres are down to you, so look after them and do check treads.
If you kerb or catch a tyre, or hit a nasty deep pothole
It may also be worth having it checked out to ensure there was no damage sustained or bulges as a result. f the drive is not as smooth following the impact, certainly get it checked out. It’s important to check.
