With Christmas fast approaching, millions of motorists are gearing up for festive journeys, but winter conditions can spell trouble for vehicles. Drivers are planning trips nationwide for celebrations and shopping sprees, yet motoring expert Tina Newman from Just Tyres cautions that several widespread car misconceptions could turn your travels into a nightmare.
There are crucial points motorists must understand as December arrives. Whilst the festive spirit is building, lengthy drives can present challenges, particularly if you haven't adequately prepared for freezing and icy conditions ahead of Christmas. Tina points out: "[It's] one of the busiest times on UK roads.
"Cold weather, heavy traffic and longer journeys mean your tyres have to work harder than ever, but a quick check before setting off can make all the difference. That's as long as you know what to look for."
In her winter motoring guidance, Tina emphasises the importance of tyre inspection. Whilst the minimum legal tread depth stands at 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre, she stresses that meeting this requirement doesn't guarantee safety.
Tyres can still pose risks if they're cracked, unevenly worn or simply past their best. She warns: "Rubber degrades over time, and older tyres can fail suddenly". Such failures could result in blowouts or penalties reaching £2,500 per tyre.
You may assume you'd notice if your tyre was underinflated or damaged, but sadly most problems aren't apparent until it's too late. Factors like cold weather and potholes can even lead to slow leaks, which is why Tina advises checking your tyre pressure and tread monthly, and always before a long journey.
The reality is, there are various types of tyres for good reason. Summer tyres harden in the cold, reducing grip, while winter tyres remain flexible and maintain traction in wet and icy conditions.
For those seeking a middle ground, Tina recommends all-season tyres, designed to cope with whatever the British weather has in store. Premium manufacturers invest significantly in research and development, collaborating with car makers to ensure their tyres offer grip, efficiency and performance.
Many also offer mid-range versions that benefit from the same R&D, meaning these too are designed with safety and performance at the forefront.
Tina further advised: "Before you set off this Christmas, take five minutes to check your tyres. They should be properly inflated and not damaged or too old. This is the best gift you'll give yourself this year."
What you might not realise is that UK law mandates at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyres; however, it's crucial to understand that tyres typically wear unevenly, especially on the inside edge. This means that a tyre might appear fine from the outside, but it's actually illegal.
If you're nabbed driving with illegal tyres, you could be slapped with a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre and three penalty points. Furthermore, if you have an accident and your tyres are below the legal limit, your insurance firm might reject or slash your claim as your motor is technically deemed not roadworthy.
In such a scenario, you'd be personally on the hook for the damage. However, there's a straightforward way to check your tyres and avoid this issue.
You don't need any fancy tools or a mechanic to ensure your tyres are legal; the task can be completed in just a minute. All you need to do is pop a coin into the main tread grooves of your tyres.
If the outer band of the coin is visible, it's likely that the tread is below the legal limit. Signs like cuts, bulges, exposed cords and uneven wear could all suggest your tyres need swapping out. If you need further assistance, get in touch with a mechanic for more advice.