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.

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.

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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