To mark the start of Tyre Safety month, Bedfordshire Police is asking motorists if their cars, vans, trucks, motorbikes and anything else road suitable are ready for winter.
While simple checks include making sure lights and windscreen wipers are working, and that oil and anti-freeze levels are correct, tyres are the main highlight of the reminder.
Tyres are a vehicle’s only point of contact with the road so it is vital drivers check theirs are in good condition as the weather becomes colder and wetter.
Over two million MOT failures are due to low tyre tread across the UK every year, and if you’re found with tyres that are not roadworthy, you could be fined up to £2,500.
You could also have three penalty points for every defective tyre added to your licence.
The best way to make sure your tyres are roadworthy is to use a 20p coin.
- Insert the coin into the grooves of the tread on each tyre, including the spare
- If the outer band on the coin is fully hidden in the tread, the tyres are above the legal limit
- If the band is showing, the tyres are worn and may need replacing
“Don’t wait until your MOT to get your tyres checked,” said Inspector Ed Finn, Force lead for road safety.
“It is important they are roadworthy year-round, and particularly as we head into winter. Stopping distances double in wet weather and in icy conditions they can be up to ten times more.
“Coupled with the darker evenings it can be harder to spot and react quickly to potential hazards such as children crossing roads on their way home from school.
“If you don’t stop and check your tyres now, you may find you can’t stop when it really matters.”
If you’re unsure how to check your car before winter, garages around Bedford Borough can carry out checks for you, although there may be a charge.
Motorists can also check their tyre pressures at most petrol stations in the area. Visit TyreSafe to find the correct tyre pressures for your vehicle.
