The most important question of all – how can you tell if your tyres have legal tyre tread? 

Tyre law in the UK states the legal limit for the minimum depth of tread on your tyres is 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tread around the whole circumference of the tyre. If the tyre tread depth is any less deep than this, your tyre will need to be replaced as soon as possible as it’s unsafe to drive with worn tyres. It's against the law too, and if you're caught with an illegal tread depth you’ll face a fine and points on your license. 

To avoid this, we advise you check your tyres regularly! Penalties are given for every tyre that isn’t within the legal limit so if all your tyres are illegal you could easily reach 12 points on your licence and face losing it altogether – don’t risk it – check them today!

This quick and easy way to check the tread depth of your tyre by using a 20p coin.

By inserting a 20p coin into the lowest tread depth on your tyre (ie where the tyre looks most worn) you can measure whether the depth is enough – if you can see the outer rim of the coin (the red part of the coin below) you should consider replacing your tyre as you aren't within the legal tyre tread.

The image here shows a tyre which needs replacing, you can clearly see the outer rim of the coin.

So what does a healthy and safe tyre look like when using the 20p test?

We recommend that you carry out this test on your tyres regularly to be absolutely sure your car is safe at all times for yourself, your passengers and other road users and of course to remain within the law and avoid those penalty points and fines!

For your tyres to be legal they must have a tread depth of no less than 1.6mm. It’s illegal to drive your vehicle if your tread depth is less than 1.6mm and you could receive a fine and penalty points but most importantly your car may be unsafe to drive for yourself, your passengers and other road users. 

You should also replace your tyres if: 

- There are any bald patches 

- Bulges are visible from the sidewall 

- The internal construction can be seen 

- The tyre differs in size to the one on the opposite axle 

- Or if you can see any cracks, splits or perished rubber

Correct tyre pressure varies across vehicles. You'll usually find the correct tyre pressure for your car on the inside of your petrol cap, inside the door pillar and in your vehicle’s handbook. You should check your tyre pressure monthly to ensure your tyres are safe at all times. Remember, tyre pressure will change as the load and weight of your car changes.

You should check your tyre pressure monthly to ensure your tyres are safe at all times. Correct tyre pressure will vary across vehicles. You'll find the correct pressure for your vehicle on the inside of your petrol cap, inside the door pillar and in the vehicle handbook.

Yes, It's vital that you have a spare tyre in good condition in case you suffer from a flat tyre, a blowout or severe damage to one of your tyres. This is a legal requirement. 

Some cars don’t require a spare as they come with run flat tyres or a run flat kit.