Taking the back roads? Protect your vehicle with regular tyre maintenance
19th August 2026
Whether you’re heading to the countryside for a casual weekend drive or looking for a scenic shortcut on the morning commute, navigating country roads can be a stressful experience. Narrow, winding roads, blind corners, speed limits that are too fast for the road conditions and agricultural vehicles can all present unpredictable hazards that require quick responsiveness and control.
A recent survey by NFU Mutual revealed that around 1,000 lives are lost each year on country roads, and 23% of motorists have been involved in a collision on rural routes. Unsurprisingly, many drivers feel apprehensive about using country roads, but spending just a few minutes carrying out some simple tyre checks can make a huge difference to driver confidence and safety.
Keep mud and loose debris at bay with sufficient tyre tread
More than 30% of drivers stated that mud and debris were a concern when driving on country roads, but with the right amount of tread depth on your tyres, your car can transition from dry tarmac to muddy farm tracks with ease. Deep grooves within the tyre pattern are designed to channel mud, water and loose gravel out and away from the tyre, improving grip. However when the tread wears down traction can become reduced.
A simple way to check your tread depth is to take a 20p coin and insert it into the grooves on your tyre. If the outer band of the coin is hidden, your tread depth is sufficient. Don’t forget to check the full circumference of your tyres, as they can wear unevenly.
Defend against pothole-riddled roads with correctly inflated tyres
Nearly 50% of motorists are fearful of using rural roads due to poor maintenance. Deep potholes, degraded edges and sunken drains can all contribute to an uncomfortable drive and potential tyre damage, but properly inflated tyres can help absorb some of the impact.
To ensure your tyres are inflated to the correct levels, check the manufacturers recommendations in your vehicle handbook or on the inside of the car door.
Healthy tyres can make blind bends feel far less intimidating
Blind corners and junctions came out as the top concern for 62% of rural road users, but overall tyre health can deliver predictable stopping distances and precise steering, taking the stress out of any hazard you come across on a bend.
If you’re planning your next rural route and would like further advice about the health of your tyres, speak to your local Envoy dealer.
