14/10/2026
🛞October Tyre Safety Month🛞
Tyres are among your vehicle’s most important safety features, yet they are often overlooked. Because they are the only part of your vehicle in contact with the road, their condition affects you, your passengers and everyone else on the road.
Tyre Safety Month is the perfect opportunity to spend a few minutes checking that your tyres are safe, legal and ready for every journey.
1. Check Your Tyre Tread Depth
Tread helps your tyres maintain grip, especially on wet roads. As it wears down, tyres become less effective at clearing water, increasing the risk of aquaplaning and lengthening stopping distances.
In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth for cars is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around the entire circumference. However, it is safer to replace tyres before they reach this limit.
Adequate tread improves grip, disperses water and gives you greater control in challenging conditions.
2. Check Your Tyre Pressures
Incorrect tyre pressures can affect safety, fuel consumption and tyre life.
Underinflated tyres may overheat, wear unevenly and use more fuel. Overinflated tyres reduce the amount of rubber in contact with the road and can also cause uneven wear.
Check your pressures regularly, preferably when the tyres are cold. Always use the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended settings, which are usually listed in the handbook, on the driver’s door frame or inside the fuel filler flap.
If your vehicle has a spare tyre, check its pressure as well.
3. Look for Damage and Uneven Wear
A quick visual inspection can reveal problems before they become dangerous.
Look out for:
* Cuts and cracks in the rubber.
* Bulges or lumps, which may indicate internal damage.
* Objects embedded in the tread, such as nails or screws.
* Uneven wear, which can point to incorrect pressures, poor wheel alignment or suspension problems.
If you find a bulge, serious damage or a tyre that is losing pressure, contact a qualified tyre professional promptly. Damaged tyres can fail without warning, so never ignore the signs.
4. Take Extra Care in Wet and Cold Weather
Rain, standing water, frost and low temperatures can make driving more difficult. Good tyres are essential for maintaining grip and helping your vehicle stop safely on wet or slippery roads.
Check your tyres before a long journey, particularly if you are carrying extra passengers or luggage. Adjust the tyre pressures if your vehicle manufacturer recommends different settings for heavier loads.
5. Protect Your Tyres and Your Budget
Regular checks can improve safety while helping you avoid unnecessary costs.
Correct pressures, proper wheel alignment and early attention to uneven wear can extend tyre life and improve fuel efficiency. Identifying a problem early may also prevent damage to other tyres or vehicle components.
A few minutes of maintenance now could save you money later.
Make Tyre Checks Part of Your Routine
If you are unsure about a tyres condition feel free to drop in with us for checks and advice rather than taking a risk.
A27 Support Tyre Safety Month. Make your tyres a priority.
