Tyre Safety Month - Top Tips

1. Ideally, tyre tread depth should be checked at least once a month at the same time that you check your tyre pressure.
2. If you do not have a calibrated tread depth gauge a 20p coin provides a useful guide.
3. Insert the 20p coin into the main tyre grooves at several places around the circumference of the tyre and across its width.
4. If the outer band of the 20p coin is visible whenever you check the tread, your tread depth may be illegal and you should have them checked by a qualified tyre specialist.
5. When checking your tread depth, give the rest of the tyres a visual inspection for any cuts or bulges and remove and stones or objects embedded in the tread.

Other things to watch out for when checking your tyre tread

Uneven Wear

If your tyre tread is badly worn in some parts but not in others, it could mean that your tyre pressure is too high or too low, and can be a factor of worn suspension components as well.

Tracking Problems

Excessive wear around the inside or outside edges of your front tyres could mean your front suspension has been knocked out of line through hitting a deep pothole or banging against a kerb. Ask your tyre dealer to check your car's racking; if it is out of alignment, getting it fixed will reduce the abnormal tyre wear and make your car feel much better to drive.