Motorists in Britain could be making an error when checking their car tyres which could put them at increased risk of an accident or heftier fines. A recent survey conducted by Halfords Autocentres of 20,000 motorists found that almost a third of motorists (32 per cent) believed that kicking tyres is an adequate test to see if they are properly inflated or not. What is more concerning is that almost two-in-five motorists (40%) have no idea what the minimum legal tyre tread depth is. This is a factor that might explain that just over two thirds (37 per cent) of them have skidded on the roads during wet weather, which has been forecast for the Easter period.
Two thirds (40 per cent) are also unaware of how to read the age of a car tyre.
Halfords Autocentres Tyre Expert, Bob Masters’ says “It’s an old cliché but we’re surprised to see that many motorists still use this test.
“Unfortunately kicking a car tyre will tell you absolutely nothing about its roadworthiness.
“Whether you drive a Toyota or a Tesla the only thing keeping your car in contact with the road is your tyres, so it’s vitally important that they are given a thorough inspection to see that they are correctly inflated and the tread depth is adequate.
“The difference between 1.6mm and 3mm of tread is an extra eight metres of stopping distance in wet conditions and the maximum fine for driving on an illegal tyre is £2,500 – something worth considering when you’re next washing the car or filling up with fuel and could take the time to carry out a quick check.”
Worn tyres and smaller tread depth can reduce braking and steering ability, especially in unpredictable weather and wet driving conditions.
An extra couple of millimetres’ tread depth can mean up to eight metres of stopping distance in wet weather.
As a proportion of British motorists are also seemingly unaware (11 per cent) if their car had a safe tyre or puncture repair kit.
Motorists may be unaware that driving with illegal tyres can land them a £2,500 fine in the UK and three penalty points per tyre.
Motorists can use the 20p test to check the minimum tread depth of a tyre, use a tread depth tool or even visit a car garage to find out if their tyres of safe and legal.
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