Ensuring your tyres are safe is important all year round - after all, they're the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, so ensuring they are fit for purpose to provide the grip and safety you need when driving is critical.
This Tyre Safety Month, we re raising awareness of the significance of regular tyre checks and the dangers of defective tyres.
- October is Tyre Safety Month.
- The penalty for illegal tyres can be up to £2,500 for each illegal tyre.
- Studies have shown that one in five drivers have never checked their tyres.
- There are several simple checks you can perform yourself to check the safety of your tyres
- Visit your local dealership for a free tyre check conducted by our expert technicians.
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What is Tyre Safety Month
Tyre Safety Month is an annual national awareness campaign held each October to highlight the vital importance of correct tyre maintenance and road safety.
Established in 2010 by the charity TyreSafe, its primary goal is to reduce the number of tyre-related accidents on UK roads.
Vertu is proud to support the campaign as we understand the critical importance of tyre safety.
Are your tyres road-ready?
To ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers, and fellow road users, it's crucial to maintain your tyres in excellent condition.
Regular inspections are essential because if your tyres aren t road legal it can negatively affect steering and braking.
There are three key elements that require your attention when it comes to your tyres: pressure, tread, and condition.
Alternatively, Vertu can perform a free tyre health check when you book your vehicle in at any one of our nationwide network of service centres, or you can book a full Winter Check that will cover assessing your vehicle interior, the battery, tyres, brakes and key fluid levels to ensure you are all set for the chilly season.
How to Check Your Tyre Pressure
Under-inflated tyres can lead to reduced control and increased fuel consumption. This not only poses a serious safety risk but is also less economical for you.
Most fuel stations are equipped with an air dispenser which lets you check and amend the pressure of your tyres.
1. Find the correct tyre pressure for your car in your vehicle handbook.
2. Remove the dust cap from your tyre and insert the pressure gauge. Set the desired pressure on the meter.
3. The machine will either inflate or deflate your tyre based on the PSI you have entered. It will make a beeping nose once complete, and you can move on to the next tyre.
4. Remember to replace the dust cap on each tyre after using the dispenser.
How to Check Your Tyre Tread
Your tyre's tread depth should be a minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. This is a legal requirement.
Many experts believe that 1.6mm is insufficient to guarantee safety and that you should be aware of the need to change any tyre that is nearing this limit. It's widely recommended that you should replace your tyre if its central three-quarters have worn down to 3mm.
You can check the tread depth of your tyres by inserting a 20p coin into the main tread grooves. If the outer band of the coin is visible, your tyres may have less than 1.6mm of tread.
In this case, it's advisable to have your tyres examined by a professional technician, as they may need to be replaced.
How to Check the Condition of Your Tyres
Driving can take a toll on your tyres, especially if you encounter stones, glass, or other debris on the road.
It's essential to visually inspect your tires for potential punctures, cracks, or any signs of damage. If you notice anything unusual, it's advisable to have your car professionally checked.
Recent research from TyreSafe has revealed that one in five drivers have never checked their tyres. These checks are so simple and have a significant impact on your safety and the safety of others.
Additionally, it's important to be aware of the severe penalties for illegal tyres. If you are stopped by the police and found to have defective tyres, you may receive a fine of up to £2,500 and three points on your licence for each illegal tyre.
Stay safe and book a free tyre check at your local Vertu dealership. Our experienced technicians, equipped with the latest tools, will ensure you can drive away with peace of mind.
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