FAQ

Tread depths should be checked to ensure they meet the legal minimum regulations. Pressures should be checked in line with the vehicle manufacturers' recommended settings. Take care to increase the pressure if the vehicle is heavily loaded as shown in the car makers recommendations. The tyres should also be given a thorough visual inspection to look for any cuts, lumps or bulges. Also look for any objects embedded in the tread which should be removed.

Current UK law requires car, van and LCV drivers to have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference. For trucks (vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes g.v.w), current tread depth legislation requires that they must have a minimum of 1mm of tread in a continuous band throughout the central three-quarters of the tread width and over the whole circumference of the tyre. The same regulation applies to regrooved tyres. Meanwhile, for motorcycles over 50cc it is 1mm across ¾ of the width of the tread pattern and with visible tread on the remaining ¼. For motorcycles up to 50cc the law requires that all the grooves of the original tread pattern must be clearly visible.

Drivers who fail to comply with the regulations face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre.

Adequate tread depth is essential for good grip on wet roads as the tread pattern helps to remove water from between the tyre and the road surface. Drivers with insufficient tread depth face longer stopping distances, reduced grip and an increased risk of aquaplaning.

The sidewall markings provide descriptive information about the tyre. The most important markings for drivers in the UK are size and type, aspect ratios load and speed.

From 1st November 2012 all new car tyre labels will display three key measures that will rate the tyre's fuel efficiency, wet braking performance and exterior noise emission characteristics. The labels will help explain to motorists how tyres perform in these three key areas and help them make a more informed choice about safer and more environmentally friendly driving.

Winter tyres have been designed to specifically cope with snow and ice, as well as cold and damp conditions. Below 7 degrees celsius the tread compound in normal tyres begins to harden, providing less grip. Winter tyres use advanced silica compounds so they remain pliant in cold temperatures, giving more grip and shorter stopping distances. They also have specially designed tread patterns to give superior grip on ice and snow.

In the UK it is not a legal requirement although TyreSafe recommends they are fitted from October to March especially as they are the safest option in snow and ice, plus cold and damp conditions. UK drivers travelling to certain European countries may be required to fit winter tyres and this information is available from the DfT.