Recent research found that 45% of UK motorists don't know the minimum legal tread depth for tyres. That's nearly 17 million people*. These drivers are putting their lives - and those of others on the road - at risk.
Research in 2006 found that illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres contributed to 2% of all fatal accidents**. That's why your tyres are one of the most important motoring checks you can make. * Survey results from GfK NOP survey of 500 motorists 11-13 July 2008. 45% of the 37.5 million motorists in the UK do not know the minimum legal tread for tyres is 1.6mm.
This accounts for 16.8 million motorists. **DfT (2006) Road Casualties Great Britain 2006
How to check your tyres If you're not sure how to check your tyre condition, follow this advice.
1. How to check tread depth:
Most tyres have tread wear indicators, usually six or more small ribs across the bottom of the main tread grooves. When the tread surface is level with these ribs, the tyre needs to be replaced.
2. How to check tyre pressure:
Look in your owner's manual or consult jacksons ford or tyre dealer for the recommended pressures for your vehicle. You should check the pressure at least every two weeks, and only when the tyres are cool.
See some more tyre safety tips. Alternatively, call in at Jacksons ford for a free professional check as soon as you can.
The benefits of choosing and checking tyres at Jacksons Ford
Brand name tyres you can depend on - at competitive prices
Expertise from your Ford Service advisor to guarantee the right choice of tyre for you and your vehicle
Thorough check of your brakes, shock absorbers and tyres for optimum safety and performance
An optional while-you-wait fitting and wheel balancing service for your convenience
All This at no cost!!
Why you need to regularly check your tyres The reasons fall into three distinct categories.
Accident prevention To drive safely, you need the right tyres in good condition, as they affect the steering, braking and acceleration of your vehicle. Worn tyres make it less predictable to drive and more likely to skid. Skid resistance also varies a great deal on our roads according to carriageway finish and the weather at the time. On a wet road, worn tyres could mean that you need up to 70% more braking distance.
For example, at a speed of 50mph you'll need the following stopping distances depending on how worn your tyres are:
8 mm tread depth = 43 m braking distance
3 mm tread depth = 53 m braking distance
Less than 1.6 mm tread depth = 73 m braking distance
All this means it's essential to check your tyres regularly and a good idea to change them when the tread reaches the 3mm level, rather than the legal minimum of 1.6mm. Research from DfT (2007) Road Conditions in England: 2007
Staying within the law It is now illegal to have:
* Car tyres with tread worn to below 1.6mm;
* A mix of radial and cross-ply tyres;
* Over or under-inflated tyres;
* Tyres with cuts, lumps, bulges or tears;
* The wrong sort of tyre fitted to a vehicle or trailer. Penalties include substantial fines and points on your licence. Which is another good reason to check your tyres regularly. Find out more about UK tyre law.
Saving money by reducing fuel consumption Under-inflated tyres mean increased fuel consumption - which means you'll have to spend more at the filling station. So check your tyre pressures regularly and make sure they don't fall below the recommended level. In fact, if you inflate your tyres 0.1 to 0.3 bar over the recommended level, it actually helps reduce road resistance and, with it, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Understanding the tyre size
The number 165 relates to the Tyre Width It is the width of the tyre in millimetres.
The number 65 relates to the Tyre Profile It is the height of the tyre sidewall as a percentage of the width. This is also known as the aspect ratio.
The Letter R relates to Radial Contruction The number 14 relates to the Tyre's Size It is the diameter of the tyre's inner rim in inches
The number 79 relates to the Tyre's Load Rating This is the Load Capacity of the Tyre
The Letter T relates to the Tyre's Speed Rating Value This indicates the maximum speed for the actual tyre at full load
The E4 Mark
This is to display that the tyre has been tested as high quality by the European Regulatory Authories.
However, for safety reasons, you should never exceed the maximum pressure recommended for driving with a full load.
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