When you think about car safety, what springs to mind? Seatbelts? Airbags? Maybe that clever lane-assist system that gently nudges you back when you wander.
But there’s something that rarely gets the spotlight, yet does all the heavy lifting: tyres. From an insurer’s perspective, tyres are a silent risk factor, especially if they’re worn beyond the legal limit. A vehicle with illegal, aged or poorly maintained tyres aren’t just less safe; they are more likely to be involved in an incident. And while we’ll always be there to support you, prevention beats payout every time.
So, while we all love the thrill of performance, we’ve set out three conscious rules that every driver should follow when it comes to their tyres:
Performance vs practicality – know your tyres
High-performance tyres are incredible when conditions are right – warm, dry roads, spirited drives, maybe even a track day.
But here’s the catch: when conditions change – say, a sudden downpour or icy winter morning – suddenly, those high-performance gems demand a little extra respect.
Does that mean they’re bad tyres? Absolutely not. It means tyres are specialists. Just like you wouldn’t wear flip-flops to hike Snowdon, your mindset here is key: know your tyres, know your conditions, and adjust your driving accordingly.
‘Age’ matters more than ‘tread’
It’s a common myth that tyre safety is only about tread depth. But while grooves (sipes) are crucial for water dispersion, they aren’t the be-all and end-all.
Even if your tread looks healthy, time quietly works against you. Oxygen, sunlight, heat – they all conspire to harden rubber, reducing flexibility and grip. So, while your tyres might look showroom-fresh, they could be past their prime.
To check, look for the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits tell you the week and year of manufacture. For example, 0519 means week 5 of 2019. If you’re unsure, speak to your local tyre specialist for a FREE tyre check.
Winter weather demands respect
As winter approaches, grip becomes a moving target. Cold temperatures harden rubber, wet roads demand efficient water clearance, and icy patches laugh in the face of summer compounds.
If you’re running performance tyres, dial back the enthusiasm. Smooth inputs, longer stopping distances, and a healthy respect for physics will keep you happy.
Better yet, consider winter or all-season tyres if you regularly face challenging conditions. They’re engineered for safety when the mercury drops.
Key signs your tyres are past their best
Here’s what to watch for:
Cracks in the sidewall – ageing rubber waving a white flag.
Uneven tread wear – often caused by underinflation or misalignment.
Vibration or noise – could indicate internal damage.
Tread wear indicators – those little raised bars inside the grooves; if you’ve hit them, it’s time to change.
To maximise grip, control, and safety, maintaining your tyres is essential. Regular pressure checks, proper alignment, and rotation can dramatically extend life and performance. Underinflation, for example, doesn’t just kill fuel economy – it compromises handling and increases wear. A few minutes with a pressure gauge can save you a world of trouble.
Talk to us
Tyres aren’t boring. They’re fascinating, complex, and utterly essential. Respect them, maintain them, and choose wisely for the conditions.
If you have any concerns about tyres affecting your insurance, or if you are adding special winter tyres to your set-up, don't hesitate to get in touch.
For more information, reach out to a member of our team.
