You don't need to be a mechanic to keep your tyres safe. This simple 10-minute check could save your life — and your MOT.
Ten minutes. That's all it takes to check your tyres properly. Yet most drivers only look at their tyres when something goes obviously wrong. Here's a simple routine you can do at home, in a car park, or anywhere you've parked for a few minutes.
What You'll Need
- A 20p coin (for a quick tread depth check)
- A tyre pressure gauge (or use the one at a petrol station)
- Good eyesight — and ideally, a phone torch for the inner sidewall
Step 1: Visual Inspection (2 minutes)
Walk around the car and look at each tyre. You're checking for: - Any obvious damage — cuts, bulges, or embedded objects (nails, screws, glass) - Uneven wear patterns (more worn on one side, or in the centre vs. edges) - Sidewall cracks or crazing (especially if the tyres are more than four years old)
Step 2: Tread Depth Check (2 minutes)
Insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves at multiple points around the tyre. If the outer border of the 20p coin is visible, your tread depth is below 3mm and replacement is approaching. If you can see the entire outer ring clearly, you're below the legal minimum of 1.6mm.
Step 3: Tyre Pressure Check (5 minutes)
Check all four tyres plus the spare. The correct pressures are in your vehicle handbook or on the driver's door sticker. Check when tyres are cold (not after driving). Top up at a petrol station or with a portable compressor.
Step 4: Record and Act
If you spot any issues — damage, low tread, incorrect pressure — take a photo and book a mobile tyre inspection or fitting. Catching problems early is always cheaper and safer than dealing with a roadside emergency.
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