36 | SEPTEMBER 2020
Motoring
Read online at www.proinstaller.co.uk
ESSENTIAL TYRE
SAFETY CHECKLIST
A recent survey of
2,000 drivers showed a
staggering 17 per cent
of motorists had never
checked their tyre pressures.
If a driver is stopped
by the police and found
to have one or more tyres
with a tread depth below
the legal limit, they could
receive a hefty fine of
£2,500 and three penalty
points per tyre. So, if it
turns out that all four tyres
are breaking the law, drivers
could be required to
pay £10,000 and risk losing
their licence altogether.
A spokesperson for
LeaseVan.co.uk said: “ Drivers
can prioritise their and
other road users’ health
and safety by regularly
checking their tyres to
make sure they’re road
legal with these top three
tyre tips.”
1. Tread depth
Tread depth refers to
measurement between the
top of the tread rubber –
the part of the tyre that
contacts the road – and the
bottom of the tyre’s deep
grooves. Having a sufficient
tread depth is vital to ensure
that your car can grip
the road properly. Without
it, you’re increasing
your chances of having an
accident. It’s also important
to note that if you are
involved in an accident and
your car has tyres with a
tread depth below the legal
limit, your insurance claim
could be deemed invalid.
In the UK, the law states
that every tyre on a car
must have a minimum
tread of 1.6mm across
the central three quarters
of the tread around the
circumference. If you’re
stopped by the police and
found to have one or more
with a tread depth below
the legal limit, you could
receive a hefty fine of
£2,500 and three penalty
points per tyre. So, if it
turns out that all four of
your tyres are breaking the
law, you could be required
to pay £10,000 and risk
losing your licence altogether.
You can use a tread
depth gauge to measure it
or use the ‘20p test’. Simply
insert a 20p coin into the
grooves of the tyre and
check if you can still see
the outer band of the coin.
If you can’t, your tyre is
above the legal limit. If you
can see the outer band of
the coin, it’s likely the tyre
is unsafe and needs swapping
for a newer model.
2. Pressure
Without the correct
pressure in each tyre, you
run the risk of not being in
total control of your vehicle.
Under or over inflated
tyres can cause unpredictable
vehicle behaviour and
affect handling and grip.
This is especially dangerous
when you’re driving at high
speeds. Incorrectly inflated
tyres also waste money because
they can increase fuel
consumption and tyres will
wear out more quickly.
To find out the correct
pressure for your tyres, you
should refer to your car’s
manual. This should tell
you the pounds per square
inch (PSI) in relation to
your vehicle’s tyres – this
is the number your tyres
should be inflated to.
Checking your tyres’ pressure
is quick and simple,
and you can do this by
using a digital tyre pressure
gauge. You can pick one
of these devices up from a
garage and keep it in your
car or at home.
3. Wear and tear
To keep your tyres in
good condition, you should
into the habit of inspecting
them regularly. If you notice
anything unusual, get it
looked at by a professional
and replace if needed.
When you’re checking
them over, make sure you
look at the surface of the
tyre and use your hand to
feel for anything that might
be stuck in the rubber. You
should also inspect them
for cuts, bulges, and signs
of cracking.
PRE-MOT CHECKS
MOTORISTS SHOULD MAKE
Motorists have been offered advice on the pre-
MOT vehicle checks they should make to help
their car pass. The motoring experts at LeaseVan.
co.uk have looked at the quick checks people
can carry out at home to give their vehicle
the best chance of getting through its MOT.
1. Check Mirrors
Make sure all your mirrors are in
place and check they’re not cracked,
impairing your view or exposing a
damaged edge.
2. Warning Lights
If a warning light is showing on your
dashboard before the MOT, get the
problem sorted. If the tester turns on
the ignition and a light shows you will
fail your MOT.
3. Tyre Tread
Having the right tyre tread is essential
for safety. You could face a fine
and penalty points if tyres are below
the required depth.
4. Lights working
Check all your lights are working to
pass your MOT. If they’re not, replace
the bulbs ahead of the test. Remember
to check headlights, sidelights, rear
lights, hazard lights, fog lights, indicators
and brake lights.
5. Seats and seat belts
Check the driver’s seat can be adjusted
and they’re all securely fitted. Check
seat belts for damage and pull them to
make sure they react properly.
6. Test the horn
The easiest check you can do – if
your horn doesn’t work, get it fixed.
7. Check fluids
Make sure you check your oil, brake
fluid and power steering fluid ahead
of your MOT. Also make sure you have
plenty of screen wash.
8. Windscreen
Check your windscreen for cracks. As
long as a mark is not over 10mm and
not obstructing the drivers view, or on
the driver’s side, you should be fine.
Elsewhere on the windscreen, the mark
should be no larger than 40mm.
9. Wipers
Wipers must be able to clear the
windscreen of rain and should be free
of damage or tears. It will work out
cheaper to replace them ahead of your
MOT.
10. Give it a clean
A clean car will make no difference
to whether you pass your MOT although
if its full of clutter the tester can
refuse to carry out the inspection. Do
make sure number places are clean and
easy to read and lights are not dirty.