Your tyres are the only part of your vehicle that make contact with the road, making them one of the most important safety components on your car. Worn or damaged tyres can affect braking distances, handling, fuel economy, and overall road safety. They can also result in MOT failures and fines if they do not meet legal requirements.
At Motorvation Bedford, we regularly see vehicles with tyres that are below the legal limit or showing signs of damage that drivers weren’t aware of. Fortunately, checking your tyres only takes a few minutes and could help keep you safe on the road.
The legal minimum tyre tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference.
A simple way to check your tread depth is with a 20p coin. Insert the coin into the tyre’s main grooves. If you can see the outer band of the coin, your tyre may be below the legal limit and should be inspected by a professional.
Many tyres also feature tread wear indicators built into the grooves, making it easier to identify when replacement is required.
Take a close look at each tyre and check for:
Any of these issues could compromise the structural integrity of the tyre and should be assessed immediately. Driving on a damaged tyre increases the risk of a blowout and can significantly affect vehicle handling.
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is essential for safety, fuel efficiency and tyre longevity.
Tyres that are under-inflated can cause excessive wear on the edges of the tread, while over-inflated tyres can wear excessively in the centre. Incorrect pressures can also reduce grip and increase braking distances.
You can usually find your vehicle’s recommended tyre pressures:
We recommend checking tyre pressures at least once a month and before any long journey.
Even if your tyres still have good tread depth, they can deteriorate with age.
Most tyre manufacturers recommend that tyres are inspected regularly after five years and replaced when necessary, regardless of tread depth.
You can identify the age of a tyre by locating the four-digit DOT code on the sidewall. For example:
0720 = Manufactured in the 7th week of 2020
Older tyres can become harder and more prone to cracking, reducing grip and overall performance.
Driving with illegal tyres can lead to:
Regular tyre inspections can help prevent these issues while ensuring your vehicle remains safe and roadworthy.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your tyres, our experienced team at Motorvation Bedford can help.
We offer professional tyre inspections, tyre pressure checks, puncture repairs, wheel balancing and replacement tyres from all major manufacturers. Whether you’re looking for premium, mid-range or budget tyres, we have options to suit every vehicle and budget.
Motorvation Bedford
📍 52/60 Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AB
📞 01234 328477
🌐 motorvation-bedford.co.uk
For expert advice and competitive tyre prices in Bedford, contact Motorvation Bedford today and let our team help keep you safe on the road.