The End of Tyre Safety Month: ACT Campaign

As Tyre Safety Month comes to an end, it’s a perfect time to highlight key aspects of tyre safety. The ACT campaign—focused on Awareness, Condition, and Tyre pressure—emphasises the importance of routine tyre checks for all drivers. By regularly assessing tyre health, drivers not only ensure their own safety but also help keep roadways safer for everyone. That is why at etyres, we want you to know how to keep yourself safe on the roads. Whether that is learning how to spot the signs of tyre damage or picking the right summer, winter and all season tyres for your vehicle. 

Let’s look at the essential tyre checks, from car tyre condition to pressure and legal tread depth, and how they can impact your road safety.

Car Tyre Condition Check – Why It’s Essential for Road Safety

A car tyre condition check is a fundamental part of vehicle maintenance. Healthy tyres provide optimal traction, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce the risk of accidents. Here’s everything you  should know about keeping tyres in peak condition.

How to Perform a Car Tyre Condition Check

Performing a car tyre condition check can be very straightforward:

1. First You Inspect the Tread: Look for signs of wear or damage on the tread. Ensure that the tread is wearing evenly across the tyre.
2. Then, Check the Sidewalls: Cracks, blisters, or bulges can indicate weakened tyre structure and increase the risk of a blowout.
3. Finally, Look for Foreign Objects: Sometimes, nails or sharp debris can lodge into the tyres without immediately causing a puncture.

The Warning Signs of Poor Tyre Condition

Unusual vibrations while driving, poor handling, or reduced grip can all be warning signs of poor tyre condition. Regular checks can help catch these signs early, reducing your risk of accidents caused by tyre failure and keeping yourself safe on the roads. 

Tyre Pressure Check – Staying Safe on the Road

Ensuring the right tyre pressure is crucial. Properly inflated tyres wear evenly, deliver better fuel economy, and provide a smoother, safer ride. Here’s why routine tyre pressure checks should be a priority.

The Importance of Regular Tyre Pressure Checks

When tyres are under-inflated, they create more friction with the road, which can cause them to overheat and even lead to blowouts. Over-inflated tyres, on the other hand, can reduce traction, making your vehicle harder to control. Regular tyre pressure checks help you prevent these issues, maintaining your stability and control on the road.

How to Use a Tyre Pressure Gauge Correctly

To measure your tyre pressure accurately, follow these steps:

1. Check the Recommended Pressure: Your vehicle’s recommended tyre pressure can usually be found on a sticker in the driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual.
2. Remove the Valve Cap: Unscrew the cap on the tyre’s valve stem.
3. Attach the Gauge: Press your tyre pressure gauge onto the valve stem until the hissing sound stops, indicating a proper seal.
4. Read the Gauge: Take note of the pressure reading, then compare it to the recommended pressure.

If the pressure is too low, add air until it reaches the recommended level. If it’s too high, release some air to adjust.

Using a Tyre Pressure Gauge for Accurate Measurements

Tyre pressure gauges are essential tools for every driver. Using a tyre pressure gauge ensures that your readings are accurate, keeping your tyres at optimal performance levels.

Types of Tyre Pressure Gauges and Their Benefits

1. Digital Gauges: These are easy to read and often more accurate than other types, making them ideal for precise readings.
2. Dial Gauges: Known for their durability, dial gauges are reliable for frequent checks, though they can be a bit larger and less portable.
3. Stick Gauges: Compact and affordable, stick gauges are a convenient option, although they may not offer the same accuracy as digital or dial gauges.

How Often Should You Check Tyre Pressure?

For optimal safety, check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Changes in temperature can affect tyre pressure, so it’s particularly important to check during seasonal transitions.

Legal Tyre Tread – Staying Within the Law

Driving with worn tyres isn’t just dangerous—it’s illegal. Staying within the legal tyre tread depth is crucial for road safety and to avoid fines or points on your licence.

How to Measure Legal Tyre Tread Depth

The legal minimum tread depth is typically 1.6mm, though some experts recommend replacing tyres once the tread reaches 3mm for added safety. To check your tread depth:

1. Use a Tread Depth Gauge: Insert the gauge into the tread grooves to measure the depth. If it’s below the recommended level, it’s time for a replacement. If you need a more in depth explanation on how to use a tread depth guage, check out How to Measure the Repairable Tyre Area Tread Gauge
3. Perform the Coin Test: Insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves. If the outer band of the coin is visible, your tread may be below the legal limit.

Risks of Driving with Worn Tyres

Worn tyres lose grip, especially in wet conditions, significantly increasing the likelihood of accidents. Maintaining a legal tyre tread reduces stopping distances and enhances road safety.
Following these simple steps ensures that your tyres are safe, legal, and efficient, keeping you and other road users protected. As we close out Tyre Safety Month here at etyres, we hope you consider making these checks a regular part of your routine. We stock leading brands such as Bridgestone and Goodyear tyres so you can find your local fitter today to keep your tyres in top shape.