Three Tyre Mistakes that Could Cost You £2,500
Tyre maintenance is crucial for road safety, with tyre experts highlighting three common mistakes that many motorists make. According to James Harding, a seasoned tyre specialist at Blackcircles, data from Road Safety GB shows that approximately six million illegal tyres are in use across the UK. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of regularly checking tyre conditions to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Mr. Harding emphasizes the risks associated with driving on illegal tyres, not only endangering the driver but also posing a threat to other road users and pedestrians. For instance, tyres with a tread depth below the legal limit reduce the vehicle’s grip on the road, potentially leading to accidents due to decreased stopping ability. Moreover, driving with illegal tyres can result in hefty fines of up to £2,500 per tyre and three penalty points per tyre, amounting to a significant penalty of £10,000 for four illegal tyres.
Furthermore, driving on illegal tyres may invalidate your insurance in case of an accident, compounding financial burdens. Therefore, it is crucial for motorists to be aware of the state of their tyres and adhere to safety regulations to avoid such dire consequences. Mr. Harding offers three essential tips to ensure your tyres remain safe and legal.
The first common mistake is driving with low tread depth, below the legal requirement of 1.6mm. Inadequate tread depth diminishes the tyre’s ability to disperse water and maintain grip, increasing the risk of skidding. A simple way to check tread depth is by using a 20p coin to measure; if the outer band is visible, the tyre may need replacing. Regularly inspecting multiple spots on each tyre is advisable to ensure even wear.
Another overlooked aspect is checking for tyre damage like lumps, cracks, or bulges, as these indicate potential safety hazards. While many motorists focus on vehicle aesthetics, tyre condition is equally crucial for road safety. Tyres in constant use are susceptible to wear and tear, necessitating regular inspections to avoid accidents or blowouts that could result from compromised tyre integrity.
Lastly, underinflated tyres pose a common but underestimated risk, affecting handling and control. Sagging sidewalls indicate underinflation, reducing road contact and compromising vehicle manoeuvrability. Monitoring tyre pressure is a simple yet vital task that can prevent accidents. By using a pressure gauge to check inflation levels, motorists can ensure optimal tyre performance and road safety.
In conclusion, maintaining safe and legal tyres is essential for road safety and regulatory compliance. By adhering to these expert tips on tread depth, tyre damage inspection, and tyre pressure monitoring, motorists can prevent accidents, hefty fines, and insurance complications. Prioritising tyre maintenance is a small yet critical investment in ensuring safe journeys for all road users. Stay informed, stay safe on the road.