Safety Guide8 min read

Complete Tyre Safety Guide

Professional safety guidance from mobile tyre specialists. Learn essential safety checks, legal requirements, and how to identify dangerous tyre conditions before they become emergencies.

Important Safety Notice

If you discover any serious tyre damage during inspection, stop driving immediately. Call our 24/7 emergency service on 01274 963 137 for immediate assistance.

UK Legal Requirements

Minimum Tread Depth

Legal Standard

Minimum 1.6mm across central 75% of tread
Continuous groove around entire circumference
No cuts deeper than 25mm or 10% of section width

Penalties

• Up to £2,500 fine per tyre
• 3 penalty points per tyre
• Possible driving ban
• Insurance may be void

Professional Recommendation

While 1.6mm is the legal minimum, we recommend replacing tyres at 3mm for optimal safety, especially in wet Bradford conditions. Stopping distances increase dramatically below 3mm tread depth.

Essential Safety Checks

Perform these checks monthly and before long journeys. Early detection prevents emergencies and saves money.

Tread Depth Measurement

Legal minimum is 1.6mm across 75% of tread width

Use 20p coin test

Check multiple points

Measure inner, outer, centre

Visual Damage Inspection

Look for cuts, bulges, cracks, or embedded objects

Check sidewalls thoroughly

Examine tread area

Look for uneven wear

Pressure Verification

Check monthly when tyres are cold

Use accurate gauge

Check spare tyre

Adjust for load/temperature

Age Assessment

Tyres over 6 years need extra attention

Check DOT code

Inspect for perishing

Consider replacement timeline

Immediate Danger Signs

These conditions require immediate attention. Do not continue driving if you discover any of these issues.

Bulges or blisters on sidewall

Blowout risk - Replace immediately

Emergency Call

Cuts deeper than 25mm

Structural damage - Professional assessment needed

Emergency Call

Uneven wear patterns

Alignment/suspension issues - Investigate cause

Emergency Call

Vibration while driving

Possible internal damage - Stop and inspect

Emergency Call

Tread depth below 1.6mm

Illegal - £2,500 fine + 3 penalty points per tyre

Emergency Call

Perished rubber (cracking)

Age-related failure - Replace soon

Emergency Call

MOT Test Requirements

MOT Pass Criteria

Tread depth ≥ 1.6mm across 75% of width
No dangerous cuts or bulges
Correct tyre type and size
No mixing of radial/cross-ply on same axle

Common MOT Failures

Insufficient tread depth
Sidewall damage or bulges
Large cuts or embedded objects
Incorrect tyre specification

Bradford-Specific Advice

Local Road Conditions

Hill Driving Considerations

Bradford's steep hills put extra stress on tyres. Check for uneven wear on the outer edges, which indicates excessive cornering forces. Consider higher-rated tyres for better durability.

Pothole Damage

Winter road surface damage is common in Bradford. After hitting a pothole, check for: bulges, cuts, or vibration while driving. Impact damage may not be immediately visible.

Weather Considerations

Yorkshire weather requires extra vigilance. Wet roads reveal tyre deficiencies quickly. If you experience poor grip in wet conditions, check tread depth immediately.