Pre-Journey Tyre Check: Your Five-Minute Safety Routine
Every year, thousands of UK motorists break down due to tyre-related failures that could have been avoided with a quick pre-journey inspection. Before any significant trip — and especially before a long motorway journey — run through this tyre safety checklist to make sure you set off confidently.
1. Check the Tread Depth
Use the 20p coin test on all four tyres and your spare (if you have one). Look for the tread wear indicators — if the surface of the tyre is level with these indicators, you are at the legal minimum. Plan for replacement before your journey if you are close to 1.6mm.
2. Check the Tyre Pressure
Cold tyre pressures (checked before driving more than 2 miles) should match the values in your door jamb sticker or handbook. If you are carrying heavy luggage or extra passengers, use the laden vehicle pressure if your handbook specifies one. Most petrol stations have digital air machines.
3. Inspect the Sidewalls and Tread
Walk around the car and visually inspect each tyre. Look for: cuts or tears, embedded objects (nails, glass), bulges or lumps in the sidewall, and any areas where the rubber appears cracked or perished. Any of these warrant a call to a mobile tyre service before your journey.
4. Check Your Spare Tyre or Inflation Kit
If your car has a spare, check its pressure and tread depth. If it is a space-saver spare, remember it is limited to a maximum of 50mph and should be replaced with a full-size tyre as soon as possible. If your car only has a tyre inflation/sealant kit, make sure the sealant canister is not expired.
5. Have a Backup Plan
Save Saltire Mobile Tyres in your contacts before you set off. If you are travelling through Yorkshire or Scotland and suffer a tyre issue, we can reach you 24/7 and get you back on the road quickly. Peace of mind for every mile.