How to check your tyres

Tyres are important to keep in good condition as they hold the weight of your vehicle and have the most contact with the road.

There are three main checks you should perform on your vehicle's tyres as well as visual inspections looking for any portion of the ply or cord exposed, if it is correctly inflated, is the correct size and if the tyre is suitable in regards to the vehicle’s use.

Tread Depth

A tyre tread is the grooves and ridges that run along the circumference of your tyre’s surface.

These grooves offer grip to the road surface, allowing you too brake and manoeuvre safely. As tread depth decreases, a tyre’s performance deteriorates and eventually your tyres will become over-worn and you run the risk of greater stopping distances and less control.

The correct tyre tread helps channel water quickly away from the rubber meaning it won't lose contact with the road preventing aquaplaning. Tyre tread is the key to keeping traction on the road keeping you and your passengers safe.

In the UK legally your tyre tread must be 1.6mm on any vehicle that doesn’t exceed 3500kg. If

you are caught driving with defective tyres you could be looking at a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre and three points on your license.

To check your tyre’s tread we use a tool called a tyre tread depth gauge which quickly and

accurately measures the depth of an individual tyre groove.

If you have one to hand, simply insert the probe bar into the groove and then push the shoulders flush with the tread, then you can see your tread depth measurement.

Tyre Pressure

Tyre pressure is super important, as the only contact made with the road your vehicles tyres put up with a lot. Poorly maintained tyres can lead to costly repairs or even an accident so checking your tyre pressure is something that should be on your mind.

The entire weight of your vehicle is supported by your tyres’ air pressure. As tyres naturally lose a little bit of air every month, it’s essential to check your tyre pressure on a regular basis.

To check the tyre pressure you will need a tyre pressure gauge. Begin by removing the dust cap from the tyre and placing the gauge onto the tyre's valve stem. Check the reading on the

pressure gauge to help determine if you need to inflate your tyres.

You should be able to find the ideal pressure for your tyres in your vehicle's manual. If your tyres need air use a suitable pump to get them to the correct level, if they have too much air in, deflate the tyres by using the tip of a flat-head screwdriver to push on the metal pin on the valve stem to release air. Don’t forget to replace the dust cap.

Tyre Condition

Another important check on your tyres is the condition, you want to make sure there are no

cracks, bulges or tears in your tyres which can be dine easily with a visual inspection.