Is your car ready for winter? Here are 5 essential tyre checks you should know
As temperatures begin to drop across the UK, drivers are preparing for shorter days, wetter roads and icy conditions. While checking your heating, battery and windscreen wipers might be on your winter checklist, there's one important safety measure you shouldn't overlook: the condition of your tyres.
2. Check Your Tyre Pressure
Cold weather can cause tyre pressure to drop, making regular checks particularly important during winter.
If your tyres are not correctly inflated, this can impact steering, braking and fuel efficiency. Underinflated tyres may also wear faster and this can increase the risk of unexpected tyre problems.
Check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before long journeys, ideally when your tyres are cold. Always follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure levels, which can usually be found in your owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's door.
Here are five essential tyre checks every driver should carry out before winter arrives.
1. Check your tyre tread depths
Tyre tread plays an important role in maintaining grip, particularly on wet and slippery roads. As tyres wear down, their ability to disperse water decreases, increasing the risk of aquaplaning and longer braking distances.
In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth for car tyres is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its entire circumference.
However, when driving during the winter season, a tread depth of at least 3mm is recommended to provide a better grip in challenging weather.
Quick tip: Use a 20p coin to carry out a basic tread check. Insert the coin into the main tread grooves. If the outer band remains visible, it's time to have your tread depth professionally checked.
3. Look for Cracks, Bulges and Other Damage
Tyres are exposed to everyday wear, potholes, kerbs and changing road conditions. Over time, this damage can worse although it might not be immediately noticeable while driving.
We recommend drivers to take a few minutes to inspect each tyre for:
Cracks or cuts along the sidewalls
Bulges or unusual swelling
Nails, screws or other embedded objects
Uneven tread wear
Signs of a slow puncture
Any visible damage should be assessed by a qualified tyre technician. A damaged tyre can become particularly dangerous when driving at higher speeds or in difficult weather conditions.
4. Consider Whether Your Tyres Are Suitable for Winter
Different tyres exist for different weather conditions.
Summer tyres are designed primarily for warmer temperatures, while winter tyres use specialised rubber compounds and tread patterns to provide better traction in colder conditions.
All-season tyres also exist and can offer a practical alternative for drivers who want year-round performance without switching tyres seasonally.
For drivers regularly travelling in icy, snowy or particularly cold conditions, choosing the right tyres can help improve vehicle control and safety.
5. Don't Ignore Early Warning Signs
Your vehicle may already be telling you that something isn't right with your tyres.
If you notice unusual vibrations, your vehicle pulling to one side, repeated pressure loss or changes in handling, don't wait until the problem becomes more serious.
Winter road conditions can amplify existing tyre problems, and a small issue today could leave you stranded when temperatures drop.
Having your tyres inspected early can help identify potential problems before they disrupt your journey.
Tyretech1 is here to assist you.
Preparing your vehicle for winter doesn't have to mean rearranging your day to visit a tyre garage.
At Tyretech1, we provide professional mobile tyre services, bringing tyre assistance directly to your location.
Our services include:
Mobile tyre fitting and replacement
Emergency tyre assistance
Puncture repairs
TPMS valve sensor replacement and reprogramming
We cover East, North and Central London, Romford, Park Royal and North West London, Cambridge, Chelmsford and surrounding areas of Essex. Simply contact us and we will come to you.
Need Tyre Assistance? TyreTech1 comes to you.
From emergency tyre assistance and puncture repairs to replacement tyres fitted at your home, workplace or roadside location, TyreTech1 is here to help.
We're Ready When You Need Us
Contact us today and let us take care of the rest.