October marks Tyre Safety Month, a crucial period dedicated to raising awareness about an often-overlooked aspect of car maintenance.

Motorists and car owners are urged to prioritise tyre checks this month, ensuring their vehicles are in safe driving condition.

Tyres are the main point of contact between a vehicle and the road, making them fundamental to a car's overall safety. Regularly checking tyres for wear and tear, as well as maintaining proper inflation, can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

This is especially important as we approach the colder, wetter months where road conditions can become more hazardous.

Checking your tyres are legal

The amount of tread that a tyre has is crucial to its performance. Without sufficient tread, a tyre can't grip nor corner effectively and it will struggle to properly displace water. In the UK, the legal tread depth for tyres is 1.6 millimetres. Driving with tyres below this threshold can result in severe consequences.

Motorists found with insufficient tread depth face fines of up to £2,500 per tyre and three penalty points on their licence. This legal requirement emphasises the importance of regular tyre checks to ensure compliance and safety.

"We often neglect our tyres until it's too late, but they are integral to our safety on the road," said Matt Springhall, Aftersales Director at Swansway Motor Group. "Thankfully, it's quick and easy to check the amount of tread your tyres have. The easiest way is with a 20p piece. Simply insert the coin into the tyre's grooves and, if the outer band of the tyre is obscured, then the tyre is legal."

Ensure your tyres are safe During Tyre Safety Month, many of your local car dealerships offer free tyre checks to help motorists stay safe and compliant. This service includes a thorough inspection of tyre tread depth, pressure, and overall condition. To ensure your vehicle is ready for the road, book in for a free tyre check at your local car dealership today.

Ensuring your tyres are in top condition is a small step that makes a big difference in road safety.