TyreSafety

Offences can Relate to:

TREAD DEPTH - a tyre worn below the legal depth of 1.6mm

MIXING - an incorrect mixture of radial and cross ply tyres

INFLATION - a tyre not inflated to make it suitable for the purpose to which the vehicle is being put to.

CUTS - certain long and deep cuts as specified in the regulations

LUMPS BULGES TEARS - these can be caused by separation of the tyre structure

EXPOSED PLY or CORDS - where the internal cords are exposed

UNSUITABILITY - regarding the use to which the vehicle or trailer is being put or to the types of tyres fitted to the other wheels

They also improve comfort whilst carrying the weight of the vehicle and they will do all of this for a long time and safely of course, providing you look after them. Ignoring them may affect your pocket as well as your life! ALL new tyres other than retreads, must meet European Standards for speed and durability, and they must display the standard markings.

The legal minimum tread depth for car and similar tyres in the United Kingdom and throughout the European Community is at least 1.6mm throughout a continuous band comprising the central three quarters of the breadth of tread and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

Most car tyres have tread depth indicators built in and are usually at least six small ribs across the bottom of the main tread grooves. When the tread becomes level with these ribs or indicators, then the tyre must be replaced as it is at the legal limit.

There are of course a number of small and cheap gauges that can be obtained which will assist you in knowing what the tread depth is at any one time. The 1.6mm LIMIT applies to:

Cars
Minibuses with up to 8 seated passengers which does not include the driver.
Motor Vehicles and Light Trailers (this includes caravans) up to 3500kg gross vehicle weight

Normally, the only part of a tyre to wear when in normal use, is the tread and sometimes it makes good sense to give it a new lease of life. This is known as retreading. ALL retread tyres in the U.K. must meet the requirements of the British Standard for retreaded tyres and that is either BS AU 144e (up to 1st December 1995) BS AU 144b, and this must be marked with the Standard Number.

The British Standard requires very strict examination and the inspection of of retreaded tyres at all stages thus resulting in perfectly acceptable tyres. You may think this type of tyre is sub standard but that is wrong. Due to the high standards achieved through inspection stages, many retreads are used on aircraft and on motor vehicles participating in motor sports.

There are many dangers in buying this type of tyre, they being part worn or second hand tyres. Their history is not known and they may have been removed from a vehicle that has been involved in an accident or it may have been badly kerbed. They may have been repaired and this may not have been carried out properly to British Standard, that being BS AU 159e. If you do consider buying one of these, then make sure it has sufficient tread and get it checked thoroughly by an approved dealer such as ourselves at Lichfield Tyre. Some faults may only show up when the tyre is properly inflated so remember, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Here in the U.K. it is illegal and certainly dangerous, to mix radial ply tyres and cross ply tyres on the same axle, or to have radial tyres on the front and cross ply tyres on the rear axle. This applies to all normal two axle motor cars whether they be front or rear wheel drive.

Correct tyre pressures are vital for balanced braking, maximum grip and a maximum life span. Recommended pressures may vary according to load or speed and you must check the Manufacturers Handbook or consult your local dealer.

WRONG TYRE PRESSURES (High or Low) will cause more rapid wear and a shorter tyre life
LOW TYRE PRESSURES also cause increased fuel consumption as well as increased wear and less tyre life.

High tyre pressures may give an uncomfortable ride and reduce grip due to the smaller area of tyre tread in contact with the road.

Pressures should be checked regularly and of course, when they are cold. Even a short trip to the garage may warm them enough to give an inaccurate reading on the gauge. An accurate gauge is inexpensive and well worth the small cost they are. A good investment if used at regular intervals.