What is the reason behind tyres becoming illegal?

Even though it might not seem like your car tyres are having any issues, a variety of things can affect how well they work. If it’s been some time since they were last checked, you may even be driving with illegal tyres. So, it’s essential to check your car tyres regularly to avoid potential fines and to stay safe on the road.

Knowing exactly what you are looking for when it comes to tyre maintenance can be a difficult task. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you identify tyre problems and what exactly can make your car tyres illegal.

What happens if I drive with illegal tyres?

Driving with illegal tyres can not only be extremely dangerous but could also potentially result in fines of up to £2,500 per tyre, three penalty points on your licence, and invalidated car insurance. Dangerous tyres cause about 5,000 charges, 900 casualties, 160 fatalities, and significant injuries annually.

Therefore, it’s crucial that your Cheap Tyres Redcar are roadworthy and that you conduct regular tyre safety checks. Make sure your car’s four wheels are prepared for the road with a tyre inspection from any nearby garage. Make a reservation right away so you can travel safely.

Low tread depth

One of the most frequent tyre problems is low tread depth, which can result in major difficulties, including hydroplaning and loss of grip. If your car tyre tread depth is less than the legally required 1.6 mm, it may result in “bald tyres,” which are tyres with all of the rubber worn out. It is crucial to get your car tyres replaced if you have detected any form of excessive wear because if you are pulled over by the police for having low tread depth, you might face three points on your licence and a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre.

Damage to tyre sidewall

Your tyre sidewall can get damaged, including cracks, cuts, scratches, and bulges. All these can occur for different reasons:

• Cracked tyres are often due to ageing tyres, but they can also be worsened by UV rays and extreme temperatures.
• Cut or slashed tyres on your car tyre’s sidewall are caused by debris on the road, such as nails or glass.
• Hitting the curb might lead to scraped and scratched tyres.
• Bulging tyres can be caused by driving over an object too quickly, such as potholes or speed bumps, or if you have overinflated your car tyres.

While it may seem okay to ignore a minor scratch on your car tyre’s sidewall, any damage can weaken the overall tyre structure, which could lead to a blowout and a serious accident. Each of these irregularities in the tyre will most likely be the reason your car fails its MOT, so it is essential to replace them as fast as possible.

Under-inflated or over-inflated tyres

Maintaining the appropriate tyre pressure enables your car’s weight to be distributed uniformly. As a result, both under-inflated and over-inflated tyres can lead to serious issues.

The main reason for tyre failure is under-inflated tyres, which is a frequent problem. Under-inflated tyres not only increase the risk of fines and penalty points but also:

• hey increase the overall fuel consumption of your car.
• They increase your car’s stopping distance.
• They can also cause uneven and rapid tread wear.
• They can result in poor handling.

Your car may also be at risk from over-inflated tyres:

• They can lead to poor traction on the road.
• They can also result in poor handling.
• They will make it difficult for your car to stop.
• They can also cause uneven and rapid tread wear.

Tyres that aren’t suitable for your car

Choosing tyres that are unsuitable for your driving style and the purpose of your car can cause major problems. They may not meet your car’s load requirements or the maximum speed rating of your car. Fitting tyres that are too small or large for your car can have a significant impact on handling and could also lead to fines and penalty points.

To find the right tyre size for your car, you can either check the tyre markings on your car’s current set of wheels, look at your car handbook, or check your car’s door jam or inside the fuel cap.

If you think that you might be driving with illegal tyres, then book a tyre inspection for your tyres today with any of your nearby local garages.

Conclusion

To conclude, you must now have a good knowledge of how tyres are not just legal but also extremely important for your and other road users’ safety. We have covered what the consequences of driving a car with illegal tyres will be. Therefore, never ignore the tread depth and sidewall of your car tyres, and make sure they are inflated with the correct PSI — not over, not under. We have also mentioned all the risks involved with having over-inflated and under-inflated tyres. And last, always remember to fit the correct size of tyres in your car which is given by your car’s manufacturer.