Tyres are so important in getting us from A to B but so many people don’t actually give them the TLC they require. They might look like tough pieces of rubber but they are actually a lot more sensitive then you probably would imagine. Tyre safety is so important – you don’t want to risk people’s lives by not keeping safe and within the law.
Have you ever tried the 20p test? You have to pop a 20p coin in the grooves of the tyre and if the outer band of the coin is visible at any point, then the treads of the tyre are below the legal limit and something needs to be done about it. Should you do this check, among others, regularly, you will know whether you are keeping within the law.
Are you aware of the legal limit of tread depth that tyres should have or is this something you rely on others to check for you? Do you know the air pressure you should have in your tyres? Steve knows but I as a non driver have no clue. I must admit that I think that Steve only became aware of the amounts in recent years.
It is so important to #TestYourTreads which is why tyreplus.co.uk want to make sure people are aware of just how important their tyres are and what they need to check. We check the tread on a regular basis, using the 20p test, and we also check the air pressure. Should either of these be getting to the legal limit, we get them sorted – Steve will visit our local mechanics garage to get new tyres if required and will head to the nearest place available to get some more air pressure.
But I am aware that so many people, including people I know, who just have no clue. I have lost count of the number of people Steve has spoken to about tyres who have looked absolutely clueless. This is not only shocking but quite dangerous too – if people are driving on the roads with tyres without enough air pressure or below the legal limit for tread depth, they are not only endangering themselves but other road users and pedestrians too – who knows what could happen if they don’t have roadworthy tyres…it doesn’t bear thinking about.
So what checks can you do to make sure your tyres and your car are completely roadworthy?
Check Your Tread Depth
The law states that every tyre on a car must have a minimum tread of 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tread around the circumference. You could receive a hefty fine of £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre if found to be beneath the legal limit. If all four of your tyres are breaking the law, you could be required to pay £10,000 and risk losing your licence altogether. Use the 20p test to measure them.
Make Sure Your Air Pressure Is Ok
Without the correct pressure in each tyre, you run the risk of potentially not being in total control of your car. Under or over inflated tyres can affect handling and grip which can impact you when you’re driving, especially when driving at high speeds. Your cars manual should be able to tell you the pounds per square inch (PSI) in relation to your vehicle’s tyres to find out the correct pressure for your tyres.
Check For Wear and Tear
Inspect them regularly – some wear and tear is normal but you may not realise that there is something amiss. By checking regularly, you will be sure to notice any things wrong. Make sure to look and feel for any differences from the last time you checked.
Collaborative post