Travelling to uni? Check the condition of your tyres
16th September 2026
It’s reported that almost 70% of students leave their hometown to go to university*, with some driving up to 200 miles to their campus of choice.**
This weekend (19th/20th September) marks one of the busiest for student travel ahead of Freshers’ Week, so we’re encouraging young drivers to take a moment to check their tyres before heading off to begin their next big life chapter. It takes 5 minutes, but could save you hours of time, not to mention those all important pounds…
Feeling under pressure? So is your car!
There’s a lot to think about when preparing to leave home for the first time, and a lot to cram into your car. It’s essential to increase your tyre pressures to account for the extra weight your vehicle is carrying, as heavy loads on under-inflated tyres can cause unnecessary strain and accelerate wear.
You can find more information about what your recommended tyre pressures should be (depending on the weight) either in your vehicle handbook or on a sticker on the inside of the car door.
If in doubt, you can always ask your local garage to adjust the pressures for you.
Tread carefully to avoid a penalty
Travelling long distances in the changeable autumn weather conditions requires tyres that can grip the road confidently. The deeper the tread depth on your tyres, the more in control you will be when encountering heavy rain, and when braking. Stopping distances increase with reduced tread, as does the likelihood of aquaplaning.
Not only is sufficient tread depth critical for safety, but it can also save you a hefty fine and penalty points. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm – anything below that could result in a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points per tyre.
For help on how to check your tyre tread, take a look at our guide here.
Do damage control
Before you set off, have a good look over your tyres for any signs of damage. Cuts, bumps or bulges are a danger and need immediate attention. If you’re not sure what to look out for, contact your local garage for further advice, they will most likely carry out a thorough check for you.
Starting uni for the first time can be nerve wracking, so don’t let your tyres be another worry. These simple checks take just a few minutes and give you ultimate peace of mind, so you can focus on the destination ahead.
