Tyre Safety Month - top tips

• Ideally, tyre tread depth should be checked at least once a month at the same time that you check your tyre pressure.
• If you do not have a calibrated tread depth gauge a 20p coin provides a useful guide.
• Insert the 20p coin into the main tyre grooves at several places around the circumference of the tyre and across its width.
• 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.
• 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.