The weather of late across the UK has not been very driver friendly and many will have noticed themselves slipping, sliding or aquaplaning.
This can generally be attributed to incorrect tyre pressures, excessive speed, poor driving or worn tyres.
The minimum legal requirements for the amount of tread on tyres has been set for a reason - it is to assure public and driver safety and should not be ignored. Fail to comply and your personal safety and driving licence can be at risk, both of which can affect your insurance premiums.
The law requires that a tyre must comply with a number of legal requirements.
As the car driver, you are responsible for ensuring the correct fitment and condition of tyre, tread depths etc.
You are recommended to check your tyres on a weekly basis at least for tread depth, tread condition, inflation pressure, tread/sidewall damage and any signs of irregular wear.
If in doubt, get a specialist tyre supplier to have a look as soon as possible.
None of this will take very long once you have done it a few times and more experienced.
The penalties for having illegal tyres are currently up to a £2500 fine and 3 penalty points PER TYRE!
As a guide:
• Do not mix your tyres – all radial or all cross ply is recommended
• Tyre size - ensure the tyre is the right size recommended by your car manufacturer
• Tyre pressures – again, ensure your tyres are inflated to the recommended pressures laid down by your car manufacturer
• Cuts/damage - A cut longer than 25mm or 10% of the section width of the tyre , whichever is the greater, measured in any direction on the outside of the tyre and deep enough to reach the ply or cord would deem the tyre illegal.
• Cord showing - If any cord is exposed, the tyre is illegal and should be replaced immediately
• Lumps/bulges – if you notice any on your tyre – get it checked out immediately
• Depth of tread - A minimum of 1.6mm in a continuous band throughout the central three-quarters of the tread width, throughout the whole of the circumference is the required minimum requirement
• Spare tyres – the sensible thing is to apply the same rules to your spare tyres although some manufacturers now supply spares that may be of a smaller size and marked “Temporary Use Only”. When driving with one of these fitted to your vehicle, speed should be restricted to 50mph
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