Tread carefully in wet weather

Published 17th October 2011

As we enter the wettest four months of the year, motorists are being urged to check the tread depth on their tyres to ensure they stay safe on the roads.Normally, the UK experiences its highest monthly rainfall levels from October to January and drivers who do not have adequate tread depth face potentially fatal consequences warns TyreSafe, the UK’s leading tyre safety organisation.“Adequate tread depth is essential for grip in wet conditions,” explains Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. “Drivers who fail to make sure their tyres have enough tread not only risk their own life but also that of other road users who may be involved in any subsequent tyre related accident. However, making sure your tyres are safe and legal only takes a few minutes and is now incredibly easy thanks to the 20p test.”To help drivers understand how to check their tyre tread depth, TyreSafe has released an online animation as part of tyre safety month, which shows drivers how to take the 20p test to see if their tyres are safe and legal.To take the 20p test, drivers should insert a 20p coin into the main grooves of the tyre. If the outer band of the coin is visible when inserted, then the tyre may not have sufficient depth and should be checked by a qualified specialist. Full details of how to take the test can be found by visiting the TyreSafe website (www.tyresafe.org).