What Makes Tyres Illegal?
Did you know that some aspects of tyres can make them illegal? In fact, there are about 6.1 million illegal tyres wandering in Britain.
The legality of tyres actually depends on the regulations of the country they are driven in. In the UK, there are specific factors that can affect the legality of the tyres.
Factors affecting the legality of tyres
Here are five (5) factors that can make tyres illegal to drive in the UK.
- Tread depth
A tyre tread depth must not fall under 1.6 mm based on UK’s law and road safety regulations. You might face some legal and financial troubles if you are caught driving using a tyre with a tread depth lower than the recommended range. Maintaining it at this depth guarantees a firmer grip on the road which is essential when the roads are extra slippery, especially during winter or rainy season.
- Damaged sidewalls
It may be considered an illegal tyre if the sidewall is evidently damaged with scratches and blisters. Driving with illegal tyres can be extremely dangerous. The scratches and cuts on a tyre’s sidewall can affect the overall performance of a car and can lead to a tyre blowout.
- Under or over-inflated tyres
Tyres that are not inflated to the correct pressure can cause your vehicle’s weight to be distributed unevenly, which is a very serious safety risk for everyone. Low tyre pressure is a common cause of tyre blowouts, while excessive pressure can lead to reduced grip and traction, increasing braking distance and fuel consumption.
- Using incompatible tyres
Using tyres that are not suitable for your car can cause serious problems like not meeting the car’s load requirements and the maximum speed rating of the vehicle. It can cause handling and braking issues, but most importantly, it can risk your safety.
- Reinforced tyre ply
A tyre ply is the internal layers that make up most of the inner parts of a tyre. It is illegal in the UK to combine tyres with dissimilar ply on one vehicle. Make sure that each tyre you use in the same vehicle has the same ply.
What happens if you drive with illegal tyres?
Driving with illegal tyres is extremely risky. If you are caught using illegal tyres on the roads of the United Kingdom, you might face serious consequences against the law.
- Pay up to £2,500 fine per tyre.
- Receive three (3) penalty points on your licence
- It might invalidate the car’s insurance
If you want to know about the conditions of the tyres on your vehicle and reside near Tunbridge Wells, you can visit our shop to have your tyres checked.
Signs it’s time to replace tyres
Tyres are the only parts of a car that touches the road, which means several functions of your car actually depend on it.
Here are four signs that your tyre needs replacements:
- Shabby tyre tread. A tread depth under 1.6 mm must be replaced immediately to comply with the UK's safety regulations.
- Evident and frequent punctures. Unlike new tyres, older tyres are more prone to lose air pressure especially if they are punctured with sharp objects, resulting in a softer tyre. Soft tyres can greatly affect the performance of the vehicle and can cause serious road accidents.
- Strange vibrations. Unusual vibrations on the steering wheel can be a sign of wear and you need to retire the tyres as soon as possible.
- Frequent TPMS warnings. If you are receiving way too many Tyre Pressure Monitoring System or TPMS alerts, it might be because of over or under-inflation. If this continues to happen, have the tyres checked immediately.
Need new tyres? Contact Freeway today!
Freeway offers a wide range of services that are perfect for your needs. Do you need new tyres? A tyre repair? Or a tyre maintenance? We’ve got you covered!
We are made up of tyre experts with many years of experience. Always ready to assist and guide you with your tyre needs! May it be consultation, repair, or buying brand new tyres.
If you are living in the town of Tunbridge Wells or have plans to visit and are interested in buying new tyres, you can visit our website or come to our shop today!
Written on 2nd September 2024