October is Tyre Safety Month - Some easy ways to check your tyres, and some frightening fines if you don't!

October is National Tyre Safety Month. An annual campaign that takes place in October to raise awareness about the importance of tyre safety. The campaign is organized by TyreSafe, a UK charity that aims to reduce the number of tyre-related incidents. John Peterson from Rivervale Minibus is keen to share some tyre wisdom not only for minibuses but for all drivers and cars.

Why is tyre safety important?

Your tyres are the only part of your vehicle in constant contact with the road. Driving on worn tyres reduces your grip on the road, especially in wet conditions, increasing your risk of aquaplaning and increasing stopping distance. Worn, under-inflated, or damaged tyres can affect everything from handling to braking distance to fuel consumption. In extreme cases, poor maintenance can lead to dangerous blowouts.

In the UK, driving with tyres below the legal tread depth can result in a fine of up to ￡2,500 per tyre and three penalty points, whatever the vehicle. This is a fine paid for by the driver, not the organisation who owns the vehicle.

Checking tyre tread depth

For cars and minibuses with a GVW under 3.5 tonnes the legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but for optimal performance, you should aim for a depth of at least 3mm. A simple way to check this is to insert a 20p coin into the grooves of your tyre tread. If the outer band of the coin is hidden when inserted, your tread is within the legal limits. If you can see the coin’s outer band, it’s time to replace your tyres.

Make sure you check the tread depth across the entire width. Uneven wear could be a sign of alignment or suspension issues, so keep an eye out for that too.

For minibuses over GVW 3.5 tonnes the minimum tread depth is 1mm over a continuous band covering at least any three-quarters of the breadth of the tread (the part in contact with road) around the entire circumference.

Minibus tyres over 10 years old

On a minibus with a GVW over 3.5 tonnes it is illegal to use tyres over 10 years old on the front (steering) axle or axles or rear axle, or axles, unless equipped with twin wheels. To prove the age of the tyre the manufacture date, printed on the tyre, must remain legible on all tyres.

How do you check your tyre pressure?

Tyre pressure is another key component of tyre safety. Overinflated or underinflated tyres can cause uneven wear, affect handling, and increase your fuel consumption.

Underinflated tyres can overheat and lead to blowouts – a risk not to be taken lightly. To check your tyre pressure, use a reliable pressure gauge. You can usually find the recommended pressure for your car or minibus in the owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door.

We recommend checking your tyre pressure at least once a month and always before long trips.

Bear in mind that tyre pressures can fluctuate depending on the weather. Cold air can cause the pressure to drop, so you might need to adjust your tyres as the weather gets colder.

Other damage to look out for

Tyres can suffer from various types of damage that may not be immediately obvious but can severely affect safety on the road.

You should be regularly inspecting your tyres for any cuts, bulges, or cracks. These could be a sign of internal damage and could lead to a blowout if left unchecked. Bulges, in particular, indicate that the tyre’s structure has been compromised and that a replacement is necessary.

Check for punctures, too. If you spot a nail or sharp object embedded in your tyre, don’t just assume it’s fine to carry on driving. Even if it’s holding air for now, it could lead to a slow leak or cause further damage. Have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

Lastly, don’t forget about your tyre sidewalls. These often show the first signs of cracking or ageing, especially if your vehicle is exposed to harsh sunlight or temperature extremes. Sidewall damage compromises the strength of the tyre, so don’t ignore it.

Your driver’s daily minibus inspections are a way to ensure your minibus tyres are in good order and any problems are immediately spotted. Rivervale Minibus has a free app myminibusmanager.com to help you complete these checks - with a video to help train your drivers on what they’re looking for. You don’t need to be a Rivervale customer to use this app.

Regular Checks and Professional Inspections

While it’s important to check your tyres yourself, professional inspections can spot issues that might not be obvious to the untrained eye, which is why the DVSA consider minibus safety inspections an important element of ‘maintaining roadworthiness’.

Proper tyre maintenance improves handling, reduces fuel costs, and helps to avoid unnecessary costs, breakdowns or accidents. Save money in the long-run and make tyre safety and maintenance a top priority.

From checking your tread depth to ensuring your tyre pressure is spot on, taking a few simple steps can drastically reduce your risk of accidents and improve your vehicle’s performance whether it’s your car or your minibus.

If you have questions about minibus tyres or would like more information on minibus leasing, sales, maintenance and management please give Rivervale Minibus a call on 01869 253744.

Give MyMinibusManager.com a go today via the QR code below.