Tyre Tread and Pressure: The Two-Minute Safety Check

By Jo Marwick · Published Sep 24, 2026 · 5 min read

In this guide

Pressure
Tread depth
Look for damage
Uneven wear
Rotate and align

Under-inflated or worn tyres reduce grip, increase stopping distances, raise fuel consumption, and are more likely to fail.

A monthly check takes a couple of minutes and requires only a pressure gauge.

Pressure

Check pressure when tyres are cold, using the figures in the owner’s manual or on the sticker inside the driver’s door — not the maximum pressure printed on the tyre sidewall. Remember the spare if you have one.

Tread depth

Legal minimum tread depth varies by country, but braking performance — especially in the wet — falls well before tyres reach the legal limit. Many experts suggest replacing tyres well before the minimum. Tread-wear indicator bars in the grooves show when tyres are at the limit.

Look for damage

Check sidewalls for bulges, cuts, and cracks. A bulge means internal damage, and the tyre should be replaced.

Uneven wear

Wear on both edges: often under-inflation
Wear in the centre: often over-inflation
Wear on one edge: often alignment problems

Rotate and align

Rotating tyres according to your manufacturer’s schedule evens out wear. If the car pulls to one side or the steering wheel is off-centre, have the alignment checked.

This is general automotive information, not professional mechanical advice. Always follow your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and service schedule, and have brakes, steering, tyres, and other safety-critical systems inspected by a qualified mechanic.

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