According to TyreSafe, an estimated one-in-five drivers have never checked the tread on their tyres, rising to one-in-three among young drivers. Checking and maintaining tyres not only reduces the risk of a crash, but also reduces the cost of driving as underinflated tyres will wear quicker and cause the vehicle to use more fuel. — Photo Credit: iStock/simpson33

One in five of Britain’s drivers have never checked tyre tread

Oct 21, 2021

For this year’s annual October-long Tyre Safety Month, TyreSafe is asking Britain’s motorists What’s Stopping You?

According to TyreSafe, an estimated one-in-five drivers have never checked the tread on their tyres, rising to one-in-three among young drivers. Checking and maintaining tyres not only reduces the risk of a crash, but also reduces the cost of driving as underinflated tyres will wear quicker and cause the vehicle to use more fuel.

The TyreSafe campaign incorporates the acronym “A.C.T. – Air pressure, Condition, Tread” to imprint the three elements of basic tyre safety checks on the driver.

Air Pressure – correct tyre pressures are shown on a sticker in your car’s door shut, filler cap or in the owner’s manual. Use an accurate pressure gauge to ensure they are right for the load as part of your pre-journey planning.

Condition – if stones or other objects caught between grooves in the tread can be removed without damaging the tyre, drivers are advised to do so. Bulges, cracks, cuts and embedded objects are cause for concern and need to be checked by a professional.

Tread – if you don’t have access to an accurate tread depth gauge, a 20p coin can be used to see if your tyres’ tread depths are approaching the 1.6mm minimum limit. Insert the 20p at several points across and around each tyre. If you can see the coin’s outer rim at any point the tyre may be illegal and you should seek advice from a professional.

“While we campaign year-round to raise awareness of tyre safety, this October’s Tyre Safety Month campaign is particularly powerful in how is depicts the real risks and high stakes of not regularly checking your tyres,” said Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe Chair, said. “There really is no excuse for ignoring tyre safety – you’ll help keep yourself, your passengers and other road users safe, particularly as the winter months and more challenging driving conditions approach. Tyre safety checks – what’s stopping you?”

To highlight the potential stakes of driving on defective tyres, TyreSafe has developed a range of resources depicting scenarios involving families, loved ones and young drivers.