Are your tyres suitable for wet conditions?

Drivers in the United Kingdom may have recently experienced heavy rain, severe storms or even flooding – I know I did. Although this weather may put a dampener on summer plans, these conditions can also make driving hazardous.

To help motorists stay safe on the roads, TyreSafe, a tyre safety organisation, is urging motorists to check the treads on their vehicles to ensure they are suitable for wet conditions.

Oh, great! How long is that going to take? Well, fortunately, these checks should only take a minute and use something which every motorist should have access to – a 20p piece.

Apparently, to check the quality of their van tyres, drivers should insert the coin into the main grooves of the tread. If they can see the outer band of the piece after insertion, the tyre may not be able to safely handle wet road surfaces. This is dangerous as a vehicle with unsuitable tyres may be unable to grip road surfaces properly, might take longer to stop when the driver brakes, or could aquaplane.

If a vehicle's tyres contributed to the outcome of a traffic accident, the owner may find it hard to obtain cheap van insurance following a claim with their insurer.

In addition, while carrying out the 20p test, drivers should also check their tyres for any signs of degradation; such as cuts, bulges or wear and tear. I had a look at mine and saw a cut on the inside of one of my tyres just in time – I've since purchased a replacement.

If you're concerned about the safety of your vehicle tyres, it is always better to be safe than sorry – take a look yourself, or ask a qualified mechanic to inspect them as soon as possible.

If a tyre does not have a minimum depth of 1.6 millimetres across the central three-quarters of the tread around its complete circumference, the owner may be breaking the law.

As a result, those who drive with illegal tyres may receive three penalty points on their licence and a £2,500 penalty fine for each offending tyre – I don't know about you but I'm keen to avoid that!

Although this summer may be turning into a washout, it doesn't have to be a dangerous one. Before setting off, reach into your wallet and test the safety of your tyres. By ensuring they are working appropriately, you might be less likely to claim with your van insurance provider.

Besides, if you save money on your premiums, you may be able to visit a warmer, sunnier country this summer!

Photo © nateOne via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence