What makes your tyres illegal?
If they have any large, deep cuts in the sidewall – The legal limit for tyre tread depth on a car is 1.6mm. As a result, you should consider replacing your tyres at roughly 3mm. However, if your tyres are less than 1.6mm, they are considered illegal.
Your tyres may have different treads and manufacturers. They can even be secondhand if they are in good condition.
They must, however, be in good condition, with no cuts or tears. When inspecting the side walls for cuts and bulges, don’t forget to examine the side of the tyre that is concealed from view, under the car.
Why keeping your tyers in good condition is essential?
Your only point of contact with the road is through your tyres. For each tyre, the area of contact is as small as the sole of a shoe. Tyres will not grip adequately or safely unless they are in good condition and properly inflated. They are readily destroyed, so inspect them for wear and tear and replace them as needed.
Penalties for using illegal tyres
The penalty for using faulty tyres or tyres that have been worn below the minimum permitted tread depth are harsh. They may include a fixed fine, an endorsement on the driver’s licence for each bad tyre, and a discretionary disqualification.
Steps to checking tyre condition
- Check that the tyre walls are clear of cuts and bulges.
- Check that all of your tyres have a good depth of tread all the way across and all the way around them. The legal requirement for vehicles, vans, trailers, and caravans is 1.6 mm tread depth across the centre three-quarters of the tyre’s breadth and along the full outer circumference. However, it is suggested that you replace your tyres before reaching this legal limit.
- Check the wheel alignment and balance, as well as the suspension and braking system, on a regular basis. If there is a problem, have it fixed as soon as possible; otherwise, tyre wear will be severe or uneven.
- Seek help if you notice that some portions of the tread are wearing faster than others. This could be a tyre, brake, steering, or suspension problem.
Remove anything caught in the treads (stones, glass, etc.). These can infiltrate the tyre and cause damage.
How to save wear and tear on tyres?
- You should check tire pressures regularly.
- Drive over potholes and fractured road surfaces as little as possible. Slow down if you can’t avoid them.
- When manoeuvring, do not drive over kerbs or scrape your wheels along them. You’ll damage the tyre’s sidewall, which could lead to a blow-out later.
- Hitting the kerb might also have an effect on the front wheels’ tracking. Check the tracking whether there are any indicators of uneven front tyre wear.
- Consider and plan ahead. High speeds, sharp turns, and hard braking all contribute to increased tyre wear.
