What you need to know
The highway code states that:
"Tyres MUST be correctly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification for the load being carried. Always refer to the vehicle’s handbook or data. Tyres should also be free from certain cuts and other defects.
Cars, light vans and light trailers MUST have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference."
To comply with current law, as well as the minimum tread depth, tyres should:
Be compatible with the types of tyres fitted to the other wheels
Not have any lump, bulge or tear caused by separation or partial failure of the structure.
Not have a cut or tear in excess of 25mm or 10% of the sectional width of the tyre, whichever is the greater, and which is deep enough to reach the ply or cord.
Not have any part of the ply or cord exposed
If there is any doubt, call or drop in and see us, and we will inspect your tyres for you.
What does this mean for your safety?
The LEGAL limit is 1.6mm of tread, however, at 3mm tread remaining stopping distances dramatically increase by 4 car lengths or more, especially in the wet as the tyre can no longer clear as much water from the road surface which can lead to aquaplaning.
Just as dangerous as worn tyres are incorrectly inflated tyres that can lead to poor traction and instability of the vehicle, especially through cornering and braking.
How to Find the Correct Tyre Size
Finding the right tyre size for your vehicle is crucial for safety, performance, and fuel efficiency.
Here's how to do it: Your current tyres will have the size printed on the sidewall. Look for a combination of numbers and letters similar to this format: 205/55 R16 91V.
Each part of this code tells you specific information about your tyre:
205: Tyre width in millimetres (measured from sidewall to sidewall).
55: Aspect ratio (the height of the tyre sidewall as a percentage of the width).
R: Radial construction (most tyres are radial).
16: Diameter of the wheel in inches (the size of the wheel that the tyre fits).
91: Load index (the maximum weight the tyre can support).
V: Speed rating (the maximum speed the tyre can safely handle).