Your tyres put up with a lot. Summer heat can increase tyre pressure, while winter cold can cause it to drop. Wet, icy roads can also affect your grip and wear down your tread faster. That’s why it’s worth checking your tyres throughout the year.
Here’s how to check your tyre pressure and tread depth, when to do it, and the signs your tyres might need some attention.
Checking tyre condition
Your tyres put in a serious shift. So have a proper look at them every now and then.
Before a long drive, or once a month, it's a good idea to check for:
- Cuts or tears
- Bulges
- Stones or nails stuck in the tread
- Damage to the sidewalls
And if you’ve bumped a kerb? Give them an extra once-over. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Also, look at the labels and markings. These tell you things like size, speed rating and load capacity. If they don’t meet legal standards, it’s time for new tyres.
How to check tyre pressure
Driving with the wrong pressure makes tyres wear out faster and can be dangerous.
Here’s how to check:
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Unscrew the valve cap
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Press a pressure gauge onto the valve
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If the pressure’s too low, inflate. Too high? Let some air out
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Replace the valve cap
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Repeat for all tyres and your spare, if it’s not a space-saver.
Top tip: Always check tyre pressure when your tyres are cool, either before you drive or 30 minutes after parking.
Most petrol stations have a pressure gauge and pump, often for free or for a really small fee. Or you can buy one to keep at home or in the boot of your car.
Where to find your tyre pressure info
Look inside your car door or fuel cap. It should tell you the recommended pressure- often in PSI or bar.
If not, check the owner’s manual or look it up online using your reg.
You might need a different pressure depending on how much stuff or how many people you’re carrying.
What if the tyre pressure warning light comes on?
Don’t ignore it. Pull over safely and check your tyres. Look for a puncture or a flat.
Even a slow puncture or underinflated tyre can make your car harder to control. So it's a good idea to sort it before it becomes a bigger problem.
How to check tyre tread depth
Tread helps your car grip the road, especially when it’s wet. Less tread usually means less control.
By law, your tread depth must be at least 1.6mm across the middle 75% of the tyre. Across the whole way round.
You can check with a tread gauge, or use the quick and easy 20p test:
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Place a 20p coin in the main tread grooves
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If you can’t see the coin’s outer rim, you’re above the legal limit
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If you can see it, your tread might be too low
Do this in 3 spots around each tyre, just in case one bit’s worn more than the rest.
Why tyre tread matters
Tread helps clear water from the road. So the deeper the tread, the better your grip.
Brand new tyres usually have around 8mm of tread. Most experts suggest changing them when they hit 3mm, not 1.6mm that’s when braking distances start to increase.
Worn tyres can lead to:
- Longer stopping distances
- Less grip in the rain
- Higher risk of aquaplaning
What if my tyres aren’t legal?
You could face £2,500 per tyre and 3 points on your licence.
Got four dodgy tyres? That’s £10,000 and potentially losing your licence.
Worse still, your insurance might not pay out if you crash with illegal tyres.
So don’t chance it. A 5-minute check now could save you time, effort and even money later on.
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