Tyre Safety Month

This October, TyreSafe is highlighting the importance and simplicity of checking tyre tread depth. Sufficient tread depth is vital to vehicle safety. In wet weather, the tread pattern helps to remove water from the tyre's contact patch with the road surface. As a tyre's tread wears out it loses the ability to remove all of the water from the road surface, resulting in longer stopping distances, loss of grip and an increased risk of aquaplaning.

Stay safe and legal

As the driver of a vehicle, you are responsible for ensuring its tyres are legal and in a roadworthy state. Failure to comply with the legal minimum standards can result in fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points – for each illegal tyre. This could cost your licence or even your life. UK law requires car tyres to have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread across the central three quarters of the tyre around its entire circumference. If this sounds complicated then all you need to do is take the 20p test. It's quick. It's easy. In fact, it's so simple even an adult can do it.

Watch 2010 campaign video on YouTube

Get involved

Garages, tyre dealers and other organisations can take advantage of a range of FREE campaign materials and support tyre safety month. Posters, leaflets, web banners an online movie and many other resources are all available to help you support the campaign.

Click here to download your tyre safety month campaign materials

The 20p test

Simply place a 20p coin into the main grooves of the tyre and if the outer rim of the coin is covered by the tread, this indicates sufficient tread depth to be safe and legal. If the outer rim is visible then the tread may be worn close to the legal limit and should be checked by a specialist.

How to check your tyre tread depths

Click here to download our FREE campaign material