1.The law states that there should be a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. It must be measured across the central 3/4 of the tyre and all the way round it too.

What does this mean in practice?

The first part of the law says there must be a minimum of 1.6mm of tread. This means that the depth of the grooves MUST BE NOT LESS THAN 1.6mm.

(See image 1)

2. The second part of the law says that the 1.6mm measurement must be across the central 3/4 of the tyre.

This means that at any point across the main part of the tyre, the tread depth MUST BE NOT LESS THAN 1.6mm.

(See image 2)

3. The third part of the law says that the 1.6mm measurement must be all the way round the tyre.

This means that there MUST BE NOT LESS THAN 1.6mm of tread all the way round the tyre.

(See image 3)

New tyres fitted in front:

• The behaviour of the car will change, because the front / rear balance will be reversed
• The driver, used to a car with less grip at the front, will therefore be taken unawares
• On a slippery road, the rear will lose traction before the front of the vehicle
• The driver will have no chance of controlling the rear, and will be tempted to accelerate further, which will amplify the spin effect. Only an experienced driver will be able to recover from this dangerous situation...

New tyres fitted at the back:

• The handling of the vehicle will be similar to that known by the driver before the tyre change, because the traction balance will be the same
• Rear traction will be better, and the driver will be able to control and steer their vehicle without a problem by decelerating and turning the steering wheel in the direction of the bend

That's why we advise you to reduce the risks you take by fitting new or less worn tyres at the rear of the vehicle for:

• Better grip on bends
• Extra safety

Ever wondered what the markings on the side of a tyre mean?

205/55 R 16 91V

This information describes the size and characteristics of the tyre:

• 205: This is the section width of the tyre, which refers to the overall width of the tyre in mm.
• 55: This is the aspect ratio of the tyre, which is the sidewall height of the tyre as a percentage of the section width.
• R: This means the tyre is of Radial construction.
• 16: This is the internal diameter of the tyre.
• 91: This is the load index: it states how much weight the tyre can carry.
• V: This is the speed index: the maximum speed the tyre is designed for.

The correct pressure is important both for safety and for a long tyre life.

Your tyres must be checked when they are cold (by cold we mean the ambient outside temperature where the tyre is to be used).

Tyre pressures must be checked regularly, about once every two weeks.

A drop in pressure can be caused by:

• The natural leakage of air through the walls of a tyre
• Drops in ambient temperature
• Small perforations that, in a tubeless tyre, may not lead to immediate deflation but rather deflation over time, (a slow leak!). This in turn can lead to irreversible damage due to the tyre running in an under-inflated condition

Why check your tyre pressures?

You will...

• Maximise tyre life
• Minimise tyre-related fuel consumption
• Minimise greenhouse gas emissions
• Save money!