Half of UK drivers unsure on basic tyre safety checks

• Only half (53%) of UK motorists know the UK’s legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm¹
• One in four (24%) do not know how to check whether their tyres are road legal¹
• While one in two (50%) lack confidence in using a tyre repair kit¹
• With tyres playing a vital role in road safety, Michelin is urging motorists to act now and check their tyres this October, as part of Tyre Safety Month

As TyreSafe’s Tyre Safety Month gets underway, new research from Michelin UK has revealed that half of UK drivers are unsure on some of the most fundamental aspects of tyre safety.

The findings suggest that, while drivers may understand the importance of keeping their vehicles safe, knowing exactly what to look for – and what to do when something needs attention – is not always as straightforward. Almost one in four (24%) do not know how to check whether their tyres are road legal, while only half (53%) know the legal minimum tread depth for tyres in the UK is 1.6mm.¹

The research also highlights uncertainty around everyday tyre maintenance, with almost one in five motorists (19%) not confident in how to inflate their tyres and set the pressure correctly.¹ Meanwhile, more than half (56%) are not confident using a tyre repair kit.¹

With tyres playing a vital role in a vehicle’s braking, handling and grip, understanding how to check and maintain them is an important part of keeping drivers, passengers and other road users safe. Michelin is therefore urging motorists to act now and check their tyres this October, as part of Tyre Safety Month.

Understanding the basics of tyre safety

For drivers unsure where to start, Michelin recommends getting to know four key aspects of tyre care:

1. Know what makes a tyre road legal

In the UK, car tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread, around the entire circumference. Drivers should also check for visible damage, including cuts, cracks and bulges.²  

2. Check tread depth before it becomes a problem

Tread helps tyres maintain grip on the road, so drivers should check it regularly rather than waiting until it reaches the legal limit. A tread depth gauge provides an accurate measurement. Alternatively, a 20 pence coin can be used because the rim on the coin is just the right size for measuring a depth of 1.6mm.^2,3

3. Make sure tyre pressures are correct

Incorrect tyre pressure can affect handling, braking, fuel consumption and tyre wear. Drivers should check their pressures regularly when tyres are cold, following the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, usually found in the handbook or on a label inside the vehicle. A pressure gauge is the best way to ensure they are set correctly.²

4. Know what to do if a tyre is damaged

Drivers should familiarise themselves with their vehicle’s tyre repair kit before an emergency occurs. Many modern vehicles are supplied with a tyre sealant kit rather than a spare wheel. These kits work by injecting sealant into the tyre through the valve to temporarily seal certain punctures and restore pressure, allowing the vehicle to be driven to a place of safety or the nearest tyre professional.⁴

^{[1] Results are taken from a OnePoll survey of 2,000 UK drivers, conducted in September 2026, commissioned by Michelin Tyre Plc.}

^{[2] If in doubt, have the tyres checked by a qualified professional.}

^{[3] Checking tyre tread wear: what to do when the tyres look worn out}

^{[4] Michelin advises that tyre sealant is only a temporary solution and is not intended for long-distance driving or sustained speeds above 50 mph / 80 km/h. A puncture may have caused internal tyre damage that is not visible from the outside, particularly if the tyre has been driven on while underinflated. For this reason, any tyre repaired using a sealant kit should be inspected by a qualified professional as soon as possible. If a tyre shows signs of sidewall damage, bulges, deep cuts or other structural damage, it may not be repairable and should be assessed immediately by a tyre specialist.}