This October, Essex Police is supporting Tyre Safety Month, a national campaign led by TyreSafe, encouraging all drivers to take a few minutes to check their tyres regularly to help prevent collisions and breakdowns.

Tyre Safety Month is a timely reminder that simple checks can save lives. We urge all motorists to make tyre inspections part of their regular vehicle maintenance. It only takes a few minutes, but it could prevent a serious incident

Tyres are the only contact point between your vehicle and the road, and their condition plays a critical role in your safety. Poor tyre maintenance can lead to longer braking distances, reduced steering control, and increased fuel consumption. More seriously, bald or underinflated tyres can cause blowouts, making it difficult to bring a vehicle to a safe stop.

Defective tyre

TyreSafe’s message is simple: “Check your tyres.”

Drivers are urged to inspect their tyres’ air pressure, tread depth, and overall condition at least once a month and before any long journey.

Key tyre safety tips:

• Tread depth must be at least 1.6mm – anything less is illegal and dangerous.
• Check for bulges, tears, or embedded objects – these can lead to sudden failure.
• Ensure tyre pressure matches your vehicle’s spec – found in the handbook, fuel cap, or driver’s door sill.
• Look out for signs of misalignment – such as the steering pulling to one side.

Drivers found with illegal tyres can face a fine and three penalty points per tyre. Tyres in poor condition are a contributing factor in many road traffic collisions.

• Before any significant journey, check:
• Tyre pressure and tread
• Fuel and oil levels
• Screenwash
• Lights

For more information and resources, visit www.tyresafe.org.

Alternatively, visit National Highways, TRIP campaign Campaign encourages drivers to check their tyres this autumn.

This article originally appeared on essexpolicemedia.co.uk and was republished with permission.