Police across the UK have launched a month-long spot-check of motorists’ tyres as part of Tyre Safety Month. Would your tyres pass a police check? Having insufficient tread depth on your tyres can land you with points on your license and a hefty fine, not to mention the fact that hundreds of people are seriously injured and even killed each year because of wrongly-inflated, illegal and defective tyres.

In Cumbria, officers are using ‘the 20p test’ during spot-checks for road safety. This is a simple way to check your tyre tread and can easily be done at home. Simply insert a 20p piece into the tread of your tyres all around the circumference of the main tread of your tyre. If the depth is deeper than the raised edge that runs all the way around the coin, then it is within safe limits. If you can see the raised edge above your tread then it’s time to replace your tyres.

So many tragic car accidents could be avoided by this quick and easy test – checking your tyres regularly should become a routine. Keep a 20p piece in your glove compartment or one of the storage areas under your dashboard and get into the habit of checking your tyres’ tread depth every week or so.

As autumn and winter approach, road conditions will become worse – wet, icy and with bad visibility – and having insufficient tyre tread depth means you are more at risk of skidding, extended braking distances and loss of control. Just think: with a humble 20p piece you may well save your own life, or the life of another driver or pedestrian.

If you think your tyres need replacing, or need advice, contact Grippy.co.uk. Not only do we provide low prices on high quality and branded replacement tyres, but we are tyre experts and can give you tips, tricks and repairs on your tyres, wheel alignment and balancing.