Checking Your Tyres - What Are The Legal Requirements?
Tyres are an integral part of our vehicles. Along with being the only part of your vehicle that makes contact with the road at all times, tyres support the full weight of your vehicle so it is vital to ensure tyre maintenance is carried out to avoid breakdowns and avoidable repair costs.
Legal tyre tread depth
Car tyres are required by the law to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm in a continuous band around the central three quarters of the tyre. This rule also applies to goods vehicles such as vans, trailers and caravans that don’t exceed 3500kg.
Check Your Tyres
Check your tyres with a tyre tread depth gauge to avoid hefty fines and driving license penalty points. To check the tread depth, insert the gauge's probe bar into the groove of the tyre and push the shoulders flush with the tread. You can also check the tyre’s tread wear indicators; if you find the indicator is flush with the level of the tread, the tyre should be replaced.
When to change tyres
If you notice your car has started having more difficulty than usual when handling the road in wet weather, or it it taking you longer to stop when you apply the brakes, it could be a sign that your tyres need changing. With the natural gradual wear and tear your vehicle sustains over time, it is a good idea to get your tyres checked by professional technicians.
Beverley Motor Works offer a free seasonal vehicle check which covers tyre maintenance. Why not take advantage of this offer before the cold, winter seasons strike. Book online now.
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