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- Checking Your TyresYour tyres are one of the most important parts of your vehicle—they’re the only point of contact with the road. Well-maintained tyres play a crucial role in safety, performance, and preventing potential damage.
However, tyres are often overlooked and only checked during servicing or MOT tests. Regular tyre inspections are simple, quick, and can make a significant difference in how your vehicle handles and performs.
With a few easy checks and basic knowledge, you can improve tyre lifespan, enhance safety, and ensure a smoother driving experience for you and your family. - When Should You Check Your Tyres?A great time to check your tyres is right after washing your vehicle. Clean tyres make it easier to spot issues on the sidewalls and tread, and soapy water can even help reveal small punctures or air leaks.
Ideally, you should inspect your tyres regularly—at least once a month—to maintain safety and performance.
For a thorough inspection, lifting the vehicle allows you to check the entire tyre surface. However, since this requires proper equipment and time, a visual check while the car is on the ground can still help you identify most common issues quickly and effectively.
How to Check Your Tyres – Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to inspect your tyres? Follow these simple steps to ensure your tyres are safe, roadworthy, and performing at their best.
Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle
Start by parking safely with the handbrake on and the car out of gear. If your vehicle has power steering, turn the steering wheel fully to one side to expose the front tyres, then switch off the engine. This helps you clearly see the full tread area.
⚠️ Important: Many modern vehicles have wide tyres, and the inner edge can wear down unnoticed. Make sure to check both the inner and outer edges carefully on all tyres.
Step 2: Check Tread Depth
Inspect the tread across each tyre. Look for the Tread Wear Indicators (TWI)—small raised bars within the grooves.
- Minimum legal tread depth: 1.6mm
- Indicators are set at around 2mm
If the tread is level with these indicators, your tyre needs replacing.
Step 3: Inspect Tread Condition
Check the full tread surface for:
- Cracks or rubber deterioration (common in older tyres)
- Uneven wear patterns
- Flat spots or distortion
- Cuts or missing sections
- Embedded objects like stones or debris
If something is stuck and won’t come out, it may have caused a puncture.
Step 4: Examine the Sidewalls
Check the tyre sidewalls for:
- Scratches, cuts, or abrasions
- Cracking or worn rubber
- Bulges (a sign of internal damage)
If your tyres have trims or covers, remove them if possible to check for hidden damage. Bulges or deep marks could indicate serious issues and should be addressed immediately.
Step 5: Check the Valve
Locate the valve on the wheel and inspect it for:
- Cracks or wear in rubber valves
- Air leaks when gently moved
- Missing valve caps
A damaged valve can lead to slow air loss and reduced tyre performance.
Step 6: Repeat for All Tyres
Check every tyre thoroughly—including the spare. Pay attention to areas that aren’t easily visible.
Common Issues to Watch ForYour tyres may need attention if you notice:
- Low tread depth
- Cracking or rubber deterioration
- Uneven or excessive wear
- Deep cuts or missing tread
- Foreign objects embedded in the tyre
- Sidewall damage or bulges
- Faulty or worn valves
Final Tip
Once you’ve completed your inspection, don’t forget to check your tyre pressure regularly for optimal safety and performance.
If you’re unsure about anything, it’s always best to seek professional help. A quick check today can prevent bigger problems tomorrow.
- Quick guide to locating your vehicle’s tyre size so you can choose the right tyres for replacement or mobile fitting services.
- Learn how to inspect your tyres for wear, damage, and proper inflation to ensure safety, performance, and longer tyre life.
- Understand the key UK tyre laws, including legal tread depth, tyre safety requirements, and regulations to keep your vehicle road-legal and safe.
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