Checking your tyres only takes a few minutes and will help them last longer and provide better braking and handling performance. Follow our simple guide:
- Check the pressure of each tyre – at either a garage or using a tyre pressure gauge. (See our Tyre Inflation Guide for full instructions)
- Check each tyre for excessive or uneven wear and any damage. Look for:
Uneven wear across the tread- Cuts or punctures in the sidewalls
- Bulges in the sidewalls
- Tread depth – 1.6mm is the legal limit, but once it goes below 3mm, start thinking about new tyres
If you spot any problems, take your car to a tyre-fitting centre for a check – these are usually free and can be done in a few minutes while you wait.
There may be a problem that needs fixing, such as:
- Puncture or tyre damage – could lead to a sudden blow out
- Worn-out tyres – could be illegal and an MOT failure
- Incorrect wheel alignment – can cause uneven wear and steering vibration
All of these can be quickly fixed and can affect your safety – so it is worth checking if unsure.