TyreSafety Month: Essential Tyre Checks for Safe Driving
A guide to TyreSafety checks, maintenance tips, and why TyreSafety matters for all drivers.
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TyreSafety Month takes place every October and is a reminder to check that your tyres are safe, legal, and ready for the road.
Your tyres are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, so maintaining them correctly is essential for safety, handling, and performance.
This guide explains the key TyreSafety checks you should carry out, following the A.C.T. method promoted by TyreSafe
What are the key TyreSafety checks?
The A.C.T. method covers three essentials:
- Air pressure
- Condition
- Tread depth
Regularly checking these helps ensure your tyres are safe and legal.
A – Air Pressure
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is essential for safety, handling, and fuel efficiency. Underinflated tyres can overheat, wear unevenly, and increase the risk of a blow-out. Overinflated tyres can reduce grip and compromise braking performance. You can find your vehicle’s recommended tyre pressure on a sticker inside the driver’s door, on the fuel filler cap, or in the owner’s manual. Check your tyre pressure regularly with a reliable gauge, especially before long journeys.
C – Condition
Regularly checking the condition of your tyres helps identify issues before they become serious safety risks. Inspect your tyres at least once a month and before long journeys. Look for cuts, cracks, bulges, or objects embedded in the tread, as these can weaken the tyre and lead to failure. If you notice any damage or unusual wear, have your tyres checked by a qualified professional.
T – Tread Depth
Tyre tread depth is essential for maintaining grip, especially in wet conditions. In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Driving below this limit is both unsafe and illegal. A simple way to check your tread depth is with a 20p coin. Insert it into the main tread grooves—if you can see the outer band, your tyres may be below the legal limit and should be replaced.
Who are TyreSafe?
TyreSafe is a UK charity dedicated to improving road safety by raising awareness of tyre maintenance and the risks posed by defective or illegal tyres. Since its launch in 2006, TyreSafe has worked with industry partners to promote safer driving through campaigns such as TyreSafety Month.
Need to check or replace your tyres?
Explore our range of 4×4, road, all-terrain, all-season, and mud-terrain tyres to find the right option for your vehicle. Our team can help you choose tyres that meet safety standards and suit your driving conditions.
