As the festive season draws closer, millions of drivers are getting ready to hit the roads, but the frosty weather can bring with it all sorts of problems for our cars. People are preparing to travel across the country for get-togethers and last minute shopping trips but, according to motoring industry expert Tina Newman at Just Tyres, a few common car myths could make your journey one to remember for all the wrong reasons.
There are some things drivers need to know as they head into December. While there is lots of excitement in the air, driving for miles can also come with its problems, especially if you aren't properly prepared to hit the road in the cold and icy weather. "Christmas is one of the busiest times on UK roads", Tina explained.
"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."
According to Tina's winter driving advice, you need to pay particular attention to your tyres. The legal tread depth is at least 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre, but Tina warns that even tyres with a legal tread can be unsafe.
This is because they can be cracked, worn unevenly or just too old. "Rubber degrades over time, and older tyres can fail suddenly", she added. This can lead to the tyre blowing or fines of up to £2,500 per tyre.
You might think you’d spot if your tyre was underinflated or damaged, but unfortunately most issues aren’t visible until it’s too late. The cold weather and potholes can even cause slow leaks, which is why Tina recommends you check your tyre pressure and tread once a month, and always before a long drive.
The truth is, there are different types of tyres and for good reason. Summer tyres harden in the cold which reduces grip. Winter tyres stay flexible and maintain traction in wet and icy conditions.
If you want a compromise, Tina suggests all-season tyres which are designed to handle everything that the British weather throws at you. Premium manufacturers invest heavily in research and development, working with car makers to ensure their tyres grip, are efficient and performance driven.
Many also produce mid-range versions that benefit from the same R&D, meaning even these are built with safety and performance in mind.
Tina added: "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."
Little you may know, UK law requires at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyres; however, it's important to know that tyres typically wear unevenly, particularly on the inside edge. This means that a tyre might look fine from the outside, but it’s actually illegal.
If you're ever caught driving with illegal tyres, you can face a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre plus three penalty points. Moreover, if you have an accident and your tyres are below the legal limit, your insurance company could refuse or reduce your claim as your vechicle is technically classed as not being roadworthy.
In this circumstance, you’d be personally liable for the damage. However, there's a simple way you can check tyres and prevent the problem.
You don’t need specialist tools or even a mechanic to check your tyres are legal, as the task can be done in as little as a minute. To do this, you just need to insert a coin into the main tread grooves.
If you can see the outer band of the coin, it’s likely that the tread may be below the legal limit. Cuts, bulges, cords on display and uneven wear can all indicate your tyres need replacing. If you need more help, contact a mechanic for further advice.
