Keeping an eye on your tyres doesn’t need specialist tools or a trip to the garage. In fact, one of the easiest ways to check your tyre tread at home uses something you probably already have in your pocket, a 20p coin.

In our short video, our Service Adviser Kev shows exactly how to do it. It takes seconds, costs nothing, and could make a real difference to your safety on the road.

Why tyre tread depth matters

In the UK, the legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. However, most reputable garages, including us, recommend not letting your tyres drop below 3mm.

Why? Because tyre performance drops off well before you hit the legal limit.

As tread depth reduces:

• Braking distances increase
• Grip in wet conditions decreases
• The risk of aquaplaning goes up
• Overall stability and safety are compromised

And given the… ahem… wonderful British weather we enjoy, good tyre tread is especially important.

How to check your tyres using a 20p coin

It really is that simple:

• Take a 20p coin
• Insert it into the main grooves of your tyre tread
• Look at how much of the coin is visible
• If the outer rim of the 20p coin is visible, it’s a sign your tyre tread may be getting too low and should be checked properly.

For the most accurate picture, check:

• All four tyres
• Several points around each tyre (wear isn’t always even)

Tyres: Easy to forget, hard to ignore

Tyres are one of the most important safety features on your car, yet they’re also one of the easiest things to overlook until there’s a problem.

A quick check now can help you avoid:

• Reduced grip and confidence on the road
• Longer stopping distances
• Unexpected MOT advisories or failures
• Last-minute tyre replacements when you least need the hassle

Think of it as a small habit that can prevent much bigger headaches later.

UK roads and tyre wear: The frustrating truth

It’s also worth noting that tyre wear isn’t always down to mileage or driving style alone.

As frustrating and annoying as it is, the condition of UK roads plays a big part too. Potholes, uneven surfaces, broken edges and poorly repaired patches all put extra strain on tyres, and can cause damage far more quickly than people expect.

Even a single impact with a pothole can:

• Accelerate tread wear
• Cause uneven wear across the tyre
• Lead to sidewall damage that isn’t always obvious at first glance
• Knock wheel alignment slightly out, which then wears tyres faster over time

It’s one of the reasons we’re seeing tyres needing attention sooner than they used to, especially on cars that spend a lot of time on local or rural roads.

If you want to understand more about how potholes affect your car (and what to watch out for), we’ve covered it in more detail in our blog here.

All the more reason to keep an eye on your tyres at home and get them checked if anything doesn’t look or feel quite right.

Not sure? We’re happy to check for you

If you’re unsure about what you’re seeing, or just want peace of mind, pop in and see us. We’ll happily check your tyres  for free and give you a clear, honest picture of their condition. No pressure (except in the tyres), no jargon - just straightforward advice.

Safe. Simple. Easy.

Give us a call on 01844 21 55 66
Or book online.