Child Safety Week: essential tyre maintenance for peace of mind behind the wheel

For families in particular, we understand that choosing the right tyre for your vehicle is extremely important and there are a lot of factors to consider; value for money, performance, resilience and of course safety. But it’s not only the initial purchase that matters; regular maintenance throughout the lifetime of the tyres is also critical to ensuring reliable performance every day. 

To mark Child Safety Week, we’re sharing our top tyre safety checks so you can feel confident behind the wheel, whether you’re doing the school run or setting out on a summer family roadtrip.

Check your tread depth 

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm in the UK, so it’s important to keep monitoring how your tyres are wearing to avoid driving on illegal tyres. 

An easy way to check your tread is by inserting a 20p coin into the grooves of the tyre. If the outer band of the coin is hidden, your tyres are above the legal limit but if you can see the outer edge, it’s time for a replacement. 

Tyres don’t always wear evenly all the way around – wheel alignment, tracking and suspension are all factors that can influence this – so it’s essential to check various points on the tyre. If the tread depth is 4mm on one side but 1mm on the other, your tyre will need replacing.

Monitor for visible damage

The current state of UK roads is a common cause of tyre damage. The impact of hitting a pothole at 30mph can cause a slow puncture, internal structural damage which can show up as a bulge on the outside, or even an instant blowout. The smallest of cracks or bulges can put you and your family at risk, so if you do notice any damage to your tyres, be sure to have them checked over by a professional. They will be able to advise you whether the damage is repairable or a new tyre is required.

Inspect your tyre pressure every month

The amount of pressure in your tyres can determine their effectiveness and safety. Overinflated tyres reduce the amount of contact they have with the road surface, which means your tyres will lose their ability to grip effectively. It can also cause the centre of the tread to wear down more quickly. 

Underinflated tyres can have an impact on braking performance, fuel efficiency, and also cause uneven wear. Always follow the recommended guidance on pressure levels for your vehicle – these can be found in your handbook or on the inside of the car door. 

Also, be aware that carrying heavier loads can put extra strain on your tyres, so if you are planning a family getaway which involves lots of luggage, you will need to increase your pressures accordingly. Again, you can find guidance on this in your handbook.

Safe journeys depend on safe, roadworthy tyres, so check yours today for peace of mind. If you have any concerns over the condition of your tyres, always seek professional advice from your nearest Envoy dealer.