A new survey has laid bare the alarming gaps in British drivers' understanding of a crucial part of their car. Blackcircles put 2,000 UK motorists to the test to gauge public awareness on this crucial safety matter.
James Harding, a tyre expert with over 16 years at Blackcircles, has shared his thoughts on the results and why proper tyre maintenance matters.
Fewer than half (49%) of British motorists are aware that 1.6mm is the legal minimum tread depth. The research found 32% gave wrong answers, while 19% confessed they had no idea what the correct depth was.
James explained: "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."
Just one in three (35%) British drivers knew that the DOT number reveals the tyre's age and manufacturer. Some 27% got it wrong and 38% confessed they were clueless about the answer.
James issued a stark warning: "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."
Fewer than a quarter (24%) of those surveyed selected the right answer, 'shoulder'. The majority (34%) got it wrong, choosing 'sidewall', while 23% confessed they simply didn't know.
James stressed the significance of understanding tyre structure, explaining: "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 considered themselves somewhat or very confident about their tyre knowledge. Male drivers reported greater confidence than their female counterparts, yet around a third (34%) were unaware of the legal minimum tread depth, compared with 30% of women.
Older motorists aren't the most assured. Confidence reaches its highest level among the 25 to 44 age group.
Geographic patterns emerged too: Cardiff, Newcastle, and Norwich displayed the greatest uncertainty across essential tyre knowledge questions, whilst London, Bristol and Southampton typically fared better.
