It won’t have slipped your notice that we’re currently experiencing one of the wettest summers on record. In fact, figures prove the second quarter of 2012 was the wettest three months since records began in the UK in 1910.And that weather has produced some of the trickiest, and potentially most dangerous driving conditions because of the wet roads.
And when roads are wet and slippery as a result of the frequent downpours, ensuring your tyres are in their best condition is paramount.
Tyre tread depth should be checked regularly, whatever time of year, to make sure they can cope properly with wet roads.
The simple test to check whether you have adequate tread depth on your car’s tyres involves inserting a 20p piece into the main grooves of the tyre.
If the outer band of the coin is visible, then the tyre tread may not have sufficient depth and should be inspected by a qualified specialist.
Adequate tread depth is essential for good grip on wet roads as the tread pattern helps to remove water from the road surface.
Drivers with insufficient tread depth face longer stopping distances, reduced grip and an increased risk of aquaplaning.
Current UK law requires car drivers to have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference.Drivers who fail to comply with the regulations face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre.
Blackcircles.com stocks a comprehensive range of tyres from all the leading manufacturers, all at the most competitive prices. Plus we can arrange for you to have your car’s new tyres fitted at a time and location best-suited to you.
About Jim McGill
Jim McGill is an award-winning motoring and motorsport journalist with more than 25 years' industry experience. He contributes to a number of newspapers and magazines, including The Times, Telegraph, Daily Mail, Scotsman, Sunday Herald and AA Magazine.
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