Tyre Safety Month: All You Need To Know

As we reach the halfway point of October, it's a great time to focus on tyre safety during Tyre Safety Month.

First though, you may be wondering, what exactly is Tyre Safety Month? As well as, how can you make sure your tyres are ready for the road?

Tyre Safety Month

Tyre Safety Month is an annual campaign that runs every October, with TyreSafe leading the charge. They work hard each year to raise awareness about tyre care and the dangers of underinflated, damaged, or worn tyres.

The initiative has been running since 2010, helping drivers stay safe on the road.

Who Are Tyresafe?

TyreSafe is a UK charity established in 2006. Their goal is to educate drivers on the importance of tyre maintenance.

Their efforts over the years have already contributed to a 46% reduction in tyre-related accidents.

Supported by leading tyre manufacturers, retailers (such as Blackcircles.com) and vehicle manufacturers, TyreSafe is a trusted voice in road safety.

What Should I Check On My Tyres?

It’s never too late to check your tyres.

This year, TyreSafe’s ‘ACT’ campaign makes it easy to remember the three key areas to check:

• Air Pressure
• Condition
• Tread Depth

Taking a few minutes to inspect your tyres can make all the difference, especially before long journeys.

Check Tyre Air Pressure

The air pressure of your tyres should be checked at least once a month and before you embark on any long journeys.

To get the most accurate readings, it is recommended that you test them when they are cold. I.e. have not been driven on recently.

To find the recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle, you can check your handbook for the information. Alternatively, most vehicles have the tyre pressure recommendations located on a sticker located on the door jamb of the driver’s seat.

To find out the pressure, use a pressure gauge to get an accurate reading. If your tyre’s pressure is too low, or they are too high, you will need to adjust them to the vehicle’s recommended level.

The correct pressure of air in your tyres relates to the size of the vehicle, the speed at which it travels and the handling requirements. 

How to Check Tyre Condition

Checking the condition of your tyres is just as important. You will want to get down close to the tyres and give them a good visual inspection. Looking for any signs of irregular wear, foreign objects piercing the tread or gouges.

On the sidewalls, look out for bulges or cracks. This can be a clear sign that your tyres have been colliding with potholes, curbs or possibly road debris – and there is likely some internal damage to the tyre.

If you spot these then have your tyres changed as soon as possible. The tyre is now weak and may fail.

How to Check Tyre Tread Depth

In the UK the legal minimum tread depth for tyres is 1.6mm across 75% of the width of the tread and around the whole edge of the tyre.

Generally, the amount of grip that a tyre provides will decreases as they grow older, and the tread depth wears down.

To check that your tyres are legal you should use a tread depth guide for an accurate reading. However, if you do not have one of these to hand and want check if your tyres have the legal limit you can use a 20p piece.

Place the coin in between the tread and if the tread depth is over the border of the coin, then the tyres are of a legal depth.

Buying New Tyres

If you find that your tyres are damaged and you need to replace the tyres, Blackcircles.com has a large range of tyres available online.

We stock tyres suitable for all types of vehicles – including car tyres, 4x4 tyres, van tyres, EV tyres and more.  

Our team works hard to ensure that the latest models from the leading brands within the tyre industry are available to our customers.

Checking Your Tyres Isn’t Just For October

October proves to be a great month for raising awareness, however, it is important you continue to check your tyres throughout the year.

If you fail to regularly check your tyres, and problems arise from lack of maintenance, you run the risk of driving on tyres which are no longer road worthy. This can lead to accidents and fines.

Driving on illegal tyres can lead to a fine of up to £2,500 and the chance of three penalty points per tyre.

So remember to do the ACT checks once a month, and before any long jouneys. Stay safe.

Tyre Safety Quiz

I hope you've been paying attention at the back, as it's time for a quiz!

Let's see how many questions you can answer correctly: