Fleet Operators Tyre Safety Check Guide
Discover how to check your air pressures and check your tread depth with the 20p test.

How to… check your air pressures
- Tyre pressures should be checked at least once a month or before a long journey
- Tyre pressures should be checked against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level which can be found in the vehicle handbook and on a plate which is often located inside the fuel filler cap or on the driver’s door sill.
- Check the pressure when tyres are cold (i.e. when you have travelled less than two miles).
- If you are carrying a full load of passengers or luggage or will be towing a trailer or caravan, pressures should be increased in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Ensure a reliable and accurate gauge is used.
- Make sure you use the correct pressure scale for the gauge being used (i.e. Bar, PSI of KPa).
- Check the pressure in all four tyres not forgetting the spare as well.
- When checking pressures, give the rest of the tyre a visual inspection. Remove any stones or other objects embedded in the tread. Look out for any bulges, lumps or cuts.
- After checking your pressures, be sure to replace the valve cap.
- If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your vehicle to an approved fitting centre and speak to a qualified specialist.
How to… check your tread depth with the 20p test
- Ideally, tyre tread depth should be checked at least once a month at the same time that you check your tyre pressure.
- 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 any stones or objects embedded in the tread.
How to… check your tread depth with a calibrated tread depth gauge
- Ideally, tyre tread depth should be checked at least once a month at the same time that you check your tyre pressure.
- In accordance with the tread depth manufacturers operating instructions, place the gauge into the main tread grooves at several places around the circumference of the tyre and across its width.
- If the gauge records a reading of less than 1.6mm in any location the tyre may be illegal and should be examined immediately by a qualified tyre professional.
- As safety is reduced as tread depth decreases, it is advisable to give consideration to replacing your tyres well before they reach the legal minimum.
- When checking your tread depth, give the rest of the tyres a visual inspection for any cuts or bulges and remove any stones or objects embedded in the tread.
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