Why is it important to avoid driving with illegal tyres? Tyres that have insufficient tread, are under inflated or have cracks, bulges or splits will increase the risk of you being involved in an accident. Your tyres connect your vehicle to the road. Therefore, tyres that are in good condition will maximise grip on the road as well as minimising stopping distances. In this article, we highlight the legal requirements for tyres and what can happen if you are involved in an accident with illegal tyres.
What if you get into an accident with illegal tyres?
If you are unfortunate to be involved in an accident and your tyres do not meet the legal requirements, you may find your insurance is invalid. Potentially your insurer will not pay out for any repairs required to your vehicle. Also you could be prosecuted for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition if you drive with tyres that are worn and hence dangerous. You can be fined up to £2,500 for a worn tyre and if all your tyres are deemed illegal, that could rise to a £10,000 fine with 3 points on your licence for each tyre. So it’s important to know what the legal requirements are. New tyres have a depth of tread of 8 mm. It is therefore interesting to note that at 3mm depth, your car tyres are 78% worn.
Legal minimum depth of tread for cars
The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm in the UK and the EU. This is across three-quarters of the tyre across the whole circumference. This legal tread depth is historic and has been applied throughout the world for decades. However, most experts agree, including tyre retailers and industry groups, and we agree that this minimum tread depth is not enough to ensure your road safety. It is generally considered that 3mm would be safer, in poor driving conditions and would give you better fuel economy. According to a MIRA survey, once tyres are below 3mm, stopping distances increase dramatically. The RAC adds that the difference in wet braking distance between a tyre worn to 3mm and one worn to 1.6 mm can be as much as 44%. Of course, changing tyres more regularly does bring in added environmental implications.
The less tread, the less grip
Worn illegal tyres can be particularly dangerous in wet conditions. There is an increased risk of losing grip and aquaplaning. It is interesting to note that in heavy rain conditions, each tyre can dispel one gallon of water every second. This indicates that the deeper the tread, the more effective tyres can be in improving grip.
Tyres must be ‘fit for purpose’
UK Law states that tyres must be ‘fit for purpose’ and also be free from any defects which might damage the road or endanger any person. Defects that constitute illegal tyres include lumps, or bumps or tears which imply structural damage. A tyre must not have a cut or tear in excess of 25mm or 10% of the sectional width of the tyre. In order to pass an MOT test, the tyre should not contain any foreign particles such as stones, screws or nails.
No legal requirements for spare tyres
Many new cars do not have a spare tyre and there is no legal requirement to have one. Modern cars often have a mini compressor or tyre sealant. If your car does have a spare tyre, it does not have to comply with legal requirements. However should you need to use it, it is important that it is maintained. You do not want to be carrying a flat spare around with you, which will be useless if required.
How to ensure your tyres last longer?
- Visually inspect your tyres regularly – look for cracks, splits or foreign objects
- Insure tyres are at the correct air pressure – according to manufacturer’s recommendations
- Check wheel alignment and tracking regularly
- Drive carefully, avoiding kerbs and potholes
- Purchase good quality tyres
How can K&M Tyres help you to drive safely?
It’s clear that driving with illegal tyres is dangerous, and it not only puts you but other drivers at risk. Do you really want to get a £10,000 fine and 12 points on your licence? We hope our latest article has explained the importance of having the legal, if not more depth of tread on your vehicle tyres. Your car will still pass an MOT test if the minimum standard of 1.6mm is achieved. The UK law requires a vehicle to be fitted with the correct type and size of tyre and that it is ‘fit for purpose’. If you are in any doubt as to which tyres would be best for your vehicle pop into K&M Tyres or give us a call on 01892 653131. We are here to answer any questions you have and also offer a FREE tyre check.