TyreSafe - Empowering the Next Generation of Safer Drivers.
TyreSafe - Empowering the Next Generation of Safer Drivers.
TyreSafe is a registered UK charity established in 2006, dedicated to raising awareness of the
importance of correct tyre maintenance and the inherent dangers of poorly maintained and illegal
tyres.
Our Vision: To achieve zero harm to road users as a result of illegal or poorly maintained tyres.
We work in partnership with government bodies, enforcement agencies, and the tyre industry to
educate the public and campaign for crucial policy changes, reinforcing that tyres are the single
point of contact between a vehicle and the road.
The need for mandatory, practical tyre safety education is urgent.
Statistics highlight that poor tyre
maintenance is a persistent and preventable killer and seriously injurer on UK roads.
The most critical role an ADI can play is transitioning tyre checks from a theoretical concept to a
physical, muscle-memory habit.
You must teach the ‘how’ and the ‘where’ of tyre checks, not just the ‘what’.
We ask that you practically demonstrate and have your learners perform the following checks,
applying the TyreSafe A.C.T. principle:
Video by TyreSafe
This is the most complex check due to unit conversion and varying requirements.
1. Locating and Reading the Pressure Label:
* Show the learner where the official placard is located (usually on the driver’s door sill/jamb or inside the fuel filler flap).
* Explain the different figures:
Manufacturers provide separate pressure settings for:
Normal Load (lightly laden car, 1-2 occupants) and Maximum Load (fully laden car,luggage).
They must adjust the pressure based on their planned load.
* Demonstrate the different units:
The label will list pressures in PSI (Pounds per Square Inch), BAR, or kPa (Kilopascals).
Explain that forecourt machines often display all three, and they must use the unit matching their vehicle's recommendation,
or be prepared to convert (e.g., 2.2 BAR is approximately 32 PSI).
2. Taking a Reading (Practical Demonstration):
* Crucial Rule: Tyres must be cold (driven less than two miles) for an accurate reading.
* Demonstrate how to remove the valve cap, press the gauge/compressor hose firmly onto the valve stem, and read the result.
* Forecourt Visit: Take the learner to a petrol station or garage and show them how to use a typical air compressor machine.
Show them how to set the target pressure and how the machine automatically fills/stops or advises deflation.
Video by TyreSafe
Show the learner how to perform a slow, thorough visual check of the entire tyre.
Sidewall Integrity: Look for bulges, lumps, cuts, or cracks.
A bulge indicates internal structural damage and is extremely dangerous.
Tread Debris: Point out and remove any stones, nails, or sharp objects embedded in the tread.
Valve Cap: Ensure the valve cap is present and secured, as this protects the valve from dirt and helps maintain pressure.
Video by TyreSafe
This check must be demonstrated using a physical tool or guide.
The 20p Coin Test: The easiest way to check for the legal minimum tread of 1.6mm.
*Demonstrate inserting a 20 pence coin into the main tread grooves (at least three points around the tyre's circumference).
* If the outer band of the 20p coin is visible, the tread is likely below the legal 1.6mm limit and the tyre is dangerous/illegal.
* If the outer band is obscured, the tread is above the legal limit, but TyreSafe advises replacement when tread reaches 3mm
for optimum safety and wet braking performance.
Video by TyreSafe
New drivers on a budget may be tempted to buy second-hand ("part-worn") tyres.
It is essential they understand that age degrades rubber, regardless of tread depth.
How to Read the Age Code:
Locate the full DOT (Department of Transportation) code on the tyre sidewall.
This is a long string of characters.
The last four digits in the sequence are the date code (e.g., ...4823).
* The first two digits (WW) indicate the Week of manufacture (01-52).
* The last two digits (YY) indicate the Year of manufacture (e.g., 23 = 2023).
Key Age Message: Explain that tyres aged over 6 years should be professionally inspected,
and many safety experts and manufacturers advise replacement for any tyre over 10 years
old, even if the tread is legal.
This is because the rubber compound degrades and risks dangerous failure.
THE LAW IS CLEAR: The driver is legally responsible for ensuring the vehicle they are driving is in a
safe and roadworthy condition, not the owner (e.g., your parent, guardian, or employer).
If you are stopped by the police while driving a car with defective tyres, you, the driver, will receive
the penalties.
This means:
Two illegal tyres could result in 6 penalty points and a potential fine of up to £5,000.
Four illegal tyres could result in 12 penalty points and a potential fine of up to £10,000,
leading to an immediate ban under the 'totting up' procedure.
New Driver Act: Immediate Licence Revocation
For new drivers who passed their test within the last two years, the consequences for tyre offences
are particularly severe
Accumulating 6 or more penalty points within your first two years of driving results in the
immediate revocation of your full driving licence under the New Drivers Act.
With two illegal tyres, you would accrue 6 penalty points, automatically triggering this
revocation.
To regain your licence, you would have to reapply for a provisional licence and pass both the
theory and practical driving tests again.
A simple tyre check could save you your licence, your car insurance, and a substantial fine.
