Tyres

Tyre safety

Ensuring that your tyres’ tread-depth is above the legal limit of 1.6mm is vital to keep your car’s overall braking and cornering performance up to scratch.

At Phoenix, we would recommend that you change your tyres when they reach 3mm tread depth, as tyres below the 3mm recommendation are worn by up to 78% and present an increased risk of aquaplaning. This causes the tyre to lose contact with the road surface, resulting in neither the car's steering nor the braking system to operating properly.

How often should you check your tyres? We would suggest every two weeks or before you set off on any long journeys.

What to check – Pressure, Depth and Damage

Tyre pressures

Check the pressure three times a month, but at the least twice a month or again before setting off on a long journey. If your tyre pressure isn’t correct it can cause irregular wear patterns, heavy wear in the centre if overinflated or worn shoulders if underinflated.

Check your driver’s manual for information on where to find the correct tyre pressure readings for your car and for different loads (towing caravans or heavy loads, or going on a long journey). It’s important to remember that you must check the tyre pressures at ambient temperature (before being driven).

Tyre damage

Your tyres ought to be checked regularly for any damage, unusual wear, any foreign bodies and that the tread depth is above 3mm. Check the sidewalls for any bulges or cuts; this could be the result of kerb or pothole damage. Any cracks that are appearing are a sign of ageing.

 

Tread Depth

	Tread depth remaining	Wear rate %
	8mm	0% worn
	7mm	15% worn
	6mm	31% worn
	5mm	47% worn
	4mm	62% worn
	3mm	78% worn
	2mm	94% worn
	1.6mm	100% worn

 

The minimum legal limit is 1.6mm across the middle 75% of the tyre at any point.
Indicators in the base of the tyre tread groove act as a guide for minimum wear. If the tread wears down to these indicators, which are set at 1.6mm, your tyres are illegal.

Phoenix can offer a comprehensive replacement package. This includes the environmentally friendly disposal of the old tyre, all at a very competitive price.

Legal Considerations

 

Please keep in mind that if your tyre is  not roadworthy, not only is the performance of your vehicle affected, you could also risk a possible maximum penalty fine of £10,000 and 12 penalty points on your driving licence.

 

 

Number of faulty tyres	Maximum fine £	Penalty points
1	£2,500	3
2	£5,000	6
3	£7,500	9
4	£10,000	12