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Are perished tyres illegal in the UK?

Q: Are perished tyres illegal or legal in the UK?

In the UK, a perished tyre is defined as a tyre that has been damaged due to age and wear, rendering it unsafe to use on the roads. This can normally be spotted by the appearance of cracking and fissures between the tyre treads or around the sidewall. Generally, this type of damage can be down to 4 factors: bad weather, rubber breaking down, UV rays, and under or over-inflation. Once your tyres have perished, their strength and structure have become compromised in most circumstances. As such, perished tyres are illegal in the UK as they can be very dangerous and increase the risk of an accident occurring.

A perished tyre is defined as a tyre that has been damaged due to age and wear. This make it unsafe for fitment and use on the roads. This can normally be spotted by the appearance of cracking and fissures between the tyre treads or around the sidewall.

Generally this type of damage can be down to 4 factors:

1. Poor weather
2. Breaking down of the rubber
3. UV rays
4. Incorrect tyre pressure

Once your tyres have perished, their strength and structure have become compromised in most circumstances.

As such, perished tyres are illegal in the UK as they can be very dangerous and increase the risk of an accident occurring.

Make time on a regular basis to give your tyres a visual inspection. This regular check can help you to spot any issues early on. Helping you to stay safe on the roads and ensure there are no issues with them being considered as perished or otherwise illegal.

This includes checking their tread depth, as well as inspecting them for any signs of damage such as bulges, tears or cuts which could cause problems when driving at speed.