Tyres are the vehicle’s contact with the road. Regular checks help identify pressure loss, damage and uneven wear before they become more serious.
The short answer
- Use the cold-pressure figures on the vehicle placard or in the handbook—not the maximum shown on the tyre sidewall.
- UK car tread must be at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters and around the full circumference.
- Bulges, cuts, repeated pressure loss or unusual wear need professional inspection even when tread remains.
Check pressure when tyres are cold
Use the vehicle placard or handbook, not the number moulded as a maximum on the tyre. Adjust for heavy loads where the manufacturer specifies it. A tyre that repeatedly loses pressure needs inspection.
Read the wear pattern
Wear on one edge may point to alignment or suspension issues; wear in the centre or both shoulders may relate to pressure. A professional should inspect unusual or rapid wear.
Quick checklist
- Inspect for cuts, bulges and embedded objects
- Check the spare or inflation kit
- Recheck before long or heavily loaded trips
- Use the exact size and ratings when replacing
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How to check tread and damage
For UK cars and light vans, GOV.UK states that tread must be at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the full circumference. Check several places because wear may not be even. The legal minimum is not a performance target for every condition.
Look at inner and outer sidewalls where visible for bulges, cuts, cracking, exposed cords and objects. Do not remove an embedded object or crawl beneath an unsupported vehicle. A bulge, exposed structure, sudden pressure loss or vibration needs prompt professional advice.
Pressure, TPMS and uneven wear
Check pressures when tyres are cold using the placard or handbook figures, including the loaded setting when applicable. Repeated pressure loss needs investigation even if topping up temporarily clears a warning.
Wear on both shoulders, the centre or one edge can suggest pressure, alignment, suspension or driving issues, but the pattern alone is not a complete diagnosis. Ask a fitter to inspect before replacing a tyre without addressing the cause.
Questions drivers ask
Is the pressure written on the tyre sidewall the correct setting?
Usually it is a tyre limit, not the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold pressure. Use the vehicle placard or handbook.
Can I drive with a tyre-pressure warning?
Stop somewhere safe and check the handbook and tyres. A warning may indicate pressure loss or a system issue; visible damage, severe pressure loss or changed handling needs professional help.
Should new tyres go on the front or rear?
This depends on the vehicle, tyre combination and manufacturer guidance. Ask the fitter to explain the safest placement for the specific car rather than applying a generic rule.
Official sources and further reading
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