It's October, which means it's Tyre Safety Month - organised by the charity TyreSafe.
This month is used to emphasise the importance of checking tyres regularly for pressure, tread, and overall condition to prevent roadside issues and ensure the safety of both the driver and other road users.
Start Rescue's data reveals that tyre-related incidents continue to be the second most common cause of breakdowns in the UK, making up 17% of call-outs between January and August 2022, with a slight increase in the same period in 2023.
Here's how you can best look after your tyres:
- Regularly inspect your tyres every two weeks.
- Ensure proper tyre inflation based on the car's handbook.
- Identify incorrect inflation through signs of uneven wear.
- Assess tread depth using a 20p coin; the outer band should not be visible when placed in the tread groove.
- While the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, consider replacing tyres at 3mm for added safety.
- Check the age stamp on the tyre's side wall and replace older tyres, even if the tread appears sufficient.
- Seek advice from a tyre specialist if uncertainty arises.