Checking your tyres may seem like a daunting task, but it can be done in just five minutes, right on your own driveway. There are a few simple steps to checking your tyres, and doing so can help prevent breakdowns, save you money on fines, and keep you safe from those worst-case scenarios.
Start by walking around the car and looking at each tyre for obvious signs of damage. Watch for bulges in the sidewall, cuts, and foreign objects such as nails or screws. A bulge in the sidewall is a particular red flag, as it can indicate serious internal damage that could lead to sudden tyre failure. If you spot anything unusual, especially a bulging sidewall, have a professional examine the tyre before driving any further.
Next, check the tread depth. The legal minimum in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, but most experts recommend replacing tyres at around 3mm, as this depth gives much better grip in wet weather. The easiest way to check is the 20p test: place a 20p coin into the main tread grooves. If the outer rim of the coin is hidden, your tread is likely still within legal limits. If the outer band of the coin is visible, it’s time to book a replacement.
Tyre pressure is just as important as tread, yet it’s often overlooked. Under-inflated tyres wear unevenly, cost more to run due to increased fuel consumption, and can affect handling, particularly in wet or icy conditions. Over-inflated tyres cause their own problems too, reducing the contact patch with the road and making braking less predictable. You’ll usually find your car’s recommended tyre pressures on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame, as well as in the handbook, and checking is simple with a tyre pressure gauge or the airline at your nearest petrol station.
While you’re at it, it’s worth checking each tyre for signs of uneven wear. If you notice excessive wear on one edge, this can point to a wheel alignment issue or a suspension problem. Left unresolved, these issues tend to get worse and can shorten the life of an otherwise perfectly good set of tyres.
Spares and tyre repair kits are easy to forget, but it’s worth checking that your spare isn’t flat or perished, as it will be no use to you when you need it most. Taking a minute once a month to check means you won’t be caught out in an emergency.
Finally, keep an eye on the age of your tyres, even if the tread looks fine. Rubber naturally hardens and degrades over time, so tyres older than around six years should be treated with caution regardless of how much tread remains. The manufacture date is moulded into the sidewall as a four-digit code showing the week and year of production, so checking it only takes a moment.
Building this quick tyre check into your regular routine alongside your usual fluid and light checks is an easy way to keep you and other road users safe, while helping you avoid unexpected costs. It takes almost no time at all, but it can make a real difference to how your car drives, how much fuel it uses, and how confident you feel behind the wheel.