A new survey has revealed a concerning gap in understanding among British motorists regarding tyres - the sole point of contact between their vehicle and the road surface. Blackcircles experts surveyed 2,000 UK drivers to assess public awareness on this crucial safety matter.
James Harding, a tyre expert with over 16 years of experience at Blackcircles, has shared his insights on the results and why proper tyre maintenance matters.
'Do you know what 'tread depth' means and the legal minimum in the UK?'
Fewer than half (49%) of British drivers are aware that the legal minimum tread depth stands at 1.6mm. The research found 32% gave incorrect answers while 19% confessed they didn't know the proper depth.
James said: "Drivers who assume the legal minimum is higher (2.5mm) may replace tyres earlier than needed, but those who don't know at all may be at risk of driving illegally or having accidents without realising it. A good way to check your tyre tread depth is to place a 20p coin between the main grooves of the tyre. If you can see the coin's outer band, the tyre may have insufficient tread. It is always advisable to check several spots in the circumference of your tyre."
'What does the 'DOT number' on a tyre tell you?'
Just one in three (35%) British motorists correctly identified that the DOT number reveals the tyre's age and manufacturer. Some 27% gave wrong answers and 38% acknowledged they were unaware of the correct response.
James cautioned: "Low awareness here is a concern, as tyre age can be a hidden safety factor. Rubber degrades over time, even when the tread looks acceptable, which can put drivers at risk."
'Which of these terms refers to the outer edge of the tyre tread?'
Fewer than a quarter (24%) of participants selected the correct answer, 'shoulder'. The majority (34%) answered incorrectly, choosing 'sidewall', whilst 23% confessed they didn't know the right answer.
James stressed the significance of understanding tyre anatomy: "Shoulder wear demonstrates early signs of misalignment or underinflation, so overlooking it means missing early warnings. Checking your tyres regularly for wear and tear helps drivers stay safe on the roads."
The research also revealed that 73% of British motorists claimed they felt somewhat or very confident in their tyre knowledge. Male drivers reported greater confidence than female drivers in their understanding of tyres, yet approximately a third (34%) remained unaware of the legal minimum tread depth, compared with 30% of women.
Older motorists are not the most assured. Confidence reaches its highest point among the 25 to 44 age bracket.
Geographic variations are evident: Cardiff, Newcastle, and Norwich display the greatest uncertainty across fundamental tyre knowledge questions, whilst London, Bristol and Southampton generally demonstrate superior performance.