Tyres
Tread Wear Indicators
The easiest way to check your tyre tread's legal is to look out for tread wear indicators. These are usually small bars, about 5mm wide, built into the base of the tyre's main grooves. If the tyre tread is level with the top of the wear indicator, it means your tyres have reached the legal limit of 1.6mm. When tyres are worn to this level, they need to be replaced.
Tyre Pressure
Tyres that are under inflated can overheat and over inflated tyres can lead to poor vehicle handling on the road. Tyre pressure isn’t a one size fits all. Each car will have its own recommended pressures. You can normally find these inside the driver’s door, inside your petrol cap or in the owner’s manual.
External Damage
Tyre damage such as cuts, lumps, and bumps are often caused by an impact between the tyre and a kerb, pothole, or object in the road. If your tyre has any of these symptoms then you must have the tyre checked as quickly as possible by a tyre specialist, as this sort of damage can result in sudden tyre failure.
20p Test
If you place your finger in the main tread groove you should feel a small, raised notch. When your tread wears down to the height of this notch, your tyre should be replaced, as it has reached the minimum legal tread depth. You can also use a tread depth indicator to gauge the remaining tread on your tyres – or even a 20p piece.
Inflate Tyres
Our friends at Halfords explain the correct method to checking and inflate car tyres. Please remember that each car will have its own recommended pressures. You can normally find these inside the driver’s door, inside your petrol cap or in the owner’s manual.
Tyre Size
A great guide to explain where to locate the tyre size but also what the measurements relate to.
Winter Tyres
Video comparing different types of winter tyres, a must watch for anyone considering switching to winter tyres.