Illegal tyres - all you need to know

Worn down tyres are not only dangerous, but also illegal – any dangerous tyres could cost you a sweet sum of £2,500 as well as added points on your licence. However, if all four tyres are breaching the legal limit, you could potentially face a £10,000 fine and even lose your licence. In our helpful guide, we discuss the warning signs to look out for that suggest your tyres could be lawless.

What makes your tyres illegal?

There are various warning signs to look out for which indicate your tyres are illegal:

• Tread depth: the minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm - a good way to test this is by using the ‘20p test’. If you insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves of your tyre, the outer rim of the coin should disappear. If it does not, that is a good indicator that your tread is below the minimum requirement.
• Camber wear: this causes sloping wear on the outer edge, making it illegal to drive – camber wear can be caused by suspension and misalignment issues.
• Bulge: impact damage may create a bulge in the sidewall of the tyre, which can affect the safety of the tyre.
• Cuts: cuts over 25mm or more than 10% deeper in the thickness of the tyre will render your tyre illegal.
• Inflation: if your tyres aren’t properly inflated, this could cause serious damage to your tyre. Under inflated tyres can lead to wear and tear on the outer edge, and cause a dip in the middle – whereas over inflated tyres can cause increase wear in the middle of the tyre. Check the required tyre pressure of your car in the manufacturer’s manual.

Is it illegal to drive without a spare tyre?

Whilst the law doesn’t require you to carry a spare tyre, it’s recommended that you do in case you have an emergency. Some tyres are run flat tyres, which means that your tyres won’t immediately need replacing after a puncture and you will you have an extended period of time to get them fixed.

How can I avoid an illegal tyre penalty?

Avoid facing fines for illegal tyre wear by ensuring you are driving safely. Here are a few steps you can take to prolong the life of your tyres:

• Check your tyre pressure is correct to avoid damaging your tyres
• Make sure you don’t overload your car, as this can add unnecessary pressure on your tyres
• Ensure your wheels are aligned regularly to prevent uneven wear overtime
• Avoid speeding, as driving too fast will cause friction on your tyres and then weaken the rubber

If you’re unsure if your tyres are in the best shape, check out our wide range of tyres. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our helpful team or pop into a local garage near you.