Bikers – Show Your Tyres Some Love!

Valentine’s Day might be just around the corner however, if you ride, there’s something else that deserves your love this February—your bike tyres!

TyreSafe has declared February as ‘Love Your Tyres’ Month, a fun yet crucial campaign reminding all riders to check their tyres regularly. And let’s face it—our tyres are the unsung heroes of every ride, keeping us safe, ensuring performance, and gripping the road when it matters most.

Why Tyre Safety Matters

Recent research from the RAC found that only one in three motorists check their tyre tread at least once a month—the bare minimum recommended by road safety experts. That’s a worrying statistic, especially when you consider that over 50,000 tyre-related breakdowns happen each year on the UK’s A-roads and motorways, according to National Highways.

For bikers, tyre condition is even more critical. Unlike cars, we rely on just two wheels for stability, so defective tread or incorrect pressure can mean the difference between a smooth ride and a dangerous skid. Poorly maintained tyres struggle to grip the road, reduce braking efficiency, and fail to channel away water properly in wet conditions.

ACT on Tyre Safety

TyreSafe’s campaign encourages everyone to ‘ACT’ on tyre safety, focusing on three simple checks:

• Air Pressure – Keeping tyres correctly inflated improves performance, fuel efficiency, and handling.
• Condition – Look for cuts, bulges, or cracks that could lead to tyre failure.
• Tread – Ensuring sufficient tread depth helps maintain grip and braking performance.

Essential Tyre Checks for Bikers

Inspect Your Tyres for Damage Check for bulges, deep cuts, or scrapes. If you spot a deep gouge in the rubber or any bulging, don’t ignore it—replace the tyre before it fails unexpectedly.

Know Your Legal Tread Depth Motorcycle tyres have specific legal tread depth requirements:

• Over 50cc – Minimum 1mm tread depth across ? of the width of the tread pattern, with visible tread on the remaining ?.
• Up to 50cc – The original tread grooves must be clearly visible.

Not sure if your tread is still legal? Check the tyre wear indicators—small markers built into the tread design. Brands like Michelin include tiny Michelin Man symbols to show where they are. If you can’t see them, Google your tyre type to find out where they’re located.

Pro Tip: Invest in a tyre depth gauge to monitor wear accurately.

Check Your Tyre Pressure

Your bike’s manual will list the correct pressure levels. Low pressure affects handling, increases wear, and compromises safety. Make a habit of checking and topping up regularly.

Bottom Line: Your Tyres Are Your Lifeline

Your tyres are the only thing between you and the road. Give them the love and attention they deserve, and they’ll reward you with better grip, safety, and performance.

So, before your next ride—check your tyres! It could make all the difference.

For more info, visit www.2wheelslondon.com / www.2wheelsgm.com

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