Driving with Tyres below Legal Limit
Simply place a 20p piece between the tread grooves of your tire and check the amount of outer edge of the covered part. If you can see part of the outer edge, it is likely that you have reached or are below the 1.6 mm limit. To avoid a bald tire, use the 20p test. It`s a simple, quick and easy way to check the tread of your car`s wheels. Just take a 20p piece and insert it into the grooves of the tire tread. If you cannot see the outer strip on the part, your tires will be above the legal limit and will not be considered bald. For your safety, that of your passengers and other road users, all tires in your vehicle must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm. After spending many years carrying out Porsche, Mini and BMW repairs in and around Buckingham, we have worked with hundreds of customers to advise their vehicles. One of the most frequently asked questions is, “What are the legal requirements for tires?” and while the regulations may seem complex, they are relatively easy to disassemble. Replacing tires can be an expensive task and will likely be an annual event. The good news, however, is that by looking at your driving habits and some basic car maintenance, you can reduce tire wear, thus extending the time between tire changes.
The consequences can be serious if you are caught with poor quality or damaged tires. Multiply that by four for each tyre in your vehicles, and you could see a fine of £10,000 and 12 penalty points. In the UK, you are only allowed to have up to 12 points on your driving licence before being banned from driving. More information on the current penalty point system is available on GOV.UK. Run-flat tires are self-supporting and work even after a puncture, and because of their reinforced sidewalls, punctures are less susceptible to breakouts. Studded tires are designed for winter use and have metal studs built into the tread. Depending on the size and model of the tire, each design has a slightly different number of metal bolts, ranging from 60 to 120. This type of tire allows for much better grip on icy roads, especially when you`re trying to ride on hills.
You can find the right pressures for your car`s tires in the fuel filling flap or in your owner`s manual. If possible, use the same pressure gauge to keep all readings consistent and check them weekly. 1. Where you drive frequently 2. Your personal driving style 3. Incorrect tire pressure 4. Drive frequently with excess weight 5. Misaligned wheels 6. Overspeed – especially in curves 7.
Steering and suspension problems 8. Defective brakes As a driver, you are responsible for many tasks in the maintenance of your vehicle, all of which ensure that your car remains in driving condition and complies with legal guidelines. In addition to requirements such as an annual TÜV, you will also need to carry out several home checks to remain fully compliant between visits to your local test centre, especially when it comes to your tyres. If your tires are about to reach the legal limit, you need to replace them with a new set of Tyroola. We have tires for all your driving needs and budgets. Of course, driving with unsuitable/bald tires is dangerous. This can put you and other motorists at risk. And if you`re involved in an accident, your auto insurance premium will automatically increase because you`re considered a “dangerous driver.” Driving a car isn`t cheap, but there are a few simple things you can do to cut costs. Get these tips and other useful driving elements right in your inbox now. Check your tires monthly for tread depth, proper tire pressure, and damage. If you are involved in an accident and the car you are driving has illegal or bald tires, you should be aware of the consequences. By law, the legal tread depth for cars in the UK and Europe is 1.6mm above the central three-quarters of the tyre.
Performing regular safety checks on your car, van or taxi is essential to ensure that the depth of your tread is safe and legal. Tire treads are especially important in bad weather conditions in winter. 10% of cars fail their TÜV due to tire problems, but even if you are not at hand with a key, checking the condition of your tires is not negotiable. Fortunately, it`s quick and easy to perform basic tire checks, usually including checking tread depth, tire pressure, and any signs of wear. Do not adjust tires with a lower speed rating than your originals, as you will encounter a whole series of problems.