Drivers in Armagh are being encouraged to carry out basic tyre checks before winter journeys, after the team at Philip White Tyres on Station Road shared guidance on tread depth, tyre condition and inflation.
The advice was issued as October puts a focus on tyre safety. The business says a few straightforward checks can help drivers and their passengers remain safer when colder and wetter weather arrives.
Why tyre condition matters
Tyres are the only part of a vehicle that makes contact with the road surface. Their tread is designed to provide traction, support vehicle handling and disperse water, helping the vehicle maintain grip in changing conditions.
Tyre manufacturers use different tread patterns, including asymmetrical and directional designs, but the stated purpose is the same: to improve road grip and move surface water away from the contact area.
As tread wears down, tyres become less effective. In wet conditions, a shallow tread may not disperse water quickly enough, allowing water to build up between the tyre and road. The result can be reduced grip, poorer control and potentially aquaplaning.
The advice refers to findings from MIRA, described in the source as the UK’s automotive research organisation. It says stopping distances increase dramatically once tyre tread has worn down to 3mm, underlining why drivers are advised not to wait until the legal limit before replacing a tyre.
Tread depths: what the numbers mean
A new tyre is supplied with approximately 7mm to 8mm of tread. The legal limit is 1.6mm, but most tyre safety experts recommend replacing tyres at about 3mm.
For a tyre to be legal, it must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre. The guidance also says there must be no exposed ply or cords, no sidewall damage such as bulges, rips or cuts, and the tyre must be correctly inflated.
The source warns that a tyre with very little tread may be ineffective and illegal. It says an illegal tyre could result in three points on a driving licence. If all four tyres are illegal, a driver could face losing their licence and paying a large fine. The supplied advice also warns that worn tyres may invalidate insurance, although that point has not been independently verified in the material provided.
Three ways to check tread
Philip White Tyres outlines three main methods for checking tyre tread depth:
- Use a tread depth gauge: These devices are designed specifically to measure tread and provide an accurate reading. The business says gauges can be bought online, or motorists can visit one of its depots for a free tyre safety check.
- Look at the tread wear indicators: Small square bumps are built into the tread. When the tread has worn down level with those indicators, the tyre has reached the legal limit and needs replacing.
- Carry out a 20p coin check: Insert a 20p coin into the tyre grooves. If the outer band of the coin can be seen, the tread is low and the tyre may need replacing.
Drivers should not only inspect the visible centre of the tyre. The advice says to check the inside edge as well, using the steering wheel’s full-lock position to make that area easier to examine.
How often should Armagh motorists check?
The recommended routine is to check tyres at least once a month and make sure tread remains above 3mm. Tyre pressures should also be checked at least monthly, while additional inspections are advised before any long journey.
Motorists should look for sidewall bulges, rips or cuts, check that no cords or ply are showing and confirm that the tyres are correctly inflated. These checks are intended to identify problems before a journey, rather than after grip or handling has already been affected.
Drivers who want further guidance can visit any Philip White Tyres retail depot for expert advice. The Armagh team can also be contacted on +44 (0) 28 3751 0666.