Since tyre tread is designed to improve your grip on the road, the lack of tread gives you less grip. This increases your stopping distance, increases your risk of a blowout, and increases the danger of aquaplaning on wet roads.
If you’re involved in an accident and it’s later revealed that you had bald tyres, your insurer could void your claim and invalidate your policy. This is because the car would be deemed unroadworthy.
For more information, re: aquaplaning read our Driving in the Raindownload (pdf( (Opens in new window)download (pdf( factsheet.
Tyre Pressure
Tyre pressure can have a significant impact on your car’s steering, handling, braking and mileage. If tyres are under or over inflated, it can increase fuel consumption and make them more susceptible to wear and tear. Even worse, having the wrong pressure can result in a blowout, which can cause you to lose control of the car.
To avoid putting yourself and any passengers in danger or having to call for breakdown assistance, it’s important to make sure that you check your tyre pressure at least every month, including the spare. You should also check the pressure before long journeys or if your car is carrying a heavier load than usual.
You can find out the pressure that your tyres should be inflated to by looking in your vehicle’s manual or by consulting the sticker placed on most vehicles, usually inside the door.
One crucial thing to remember is to check your tyre pressure when they are cold; so before you start a journey or at least 2 hours afterwards to ensure you get correct measurements.