Tyre News

Tyre inflation firm PCL is warning motorists they could still face penalties for driving on dangerous tyres tyres following the government MOT extensions.

Tread depth is essential to keep a vehicle in contact with the road in wet conditions and it remains a legal requirement, despite the introduction of a six-month exemption on MoT for Britain’s motorists. TyreSafe is reminding motorists that a tyre being driven below 1.6mm is illegal and if found by the police could result in a fine of up to £2,500 and three-points being added to a driver’s licence – per tyre.

With UK motorists observing the national lockdown, car use is being severely restricted. Such long lay ups can result in damage to tyres if they are not adequately cared for. Tyre brand Falken has therefore suggested six quick tips to prevent such damage.

Cars, motorcycles and vans won’t need an MOT from 30 March 2020 for the next 12 months to allow essential travel during the lockdown. But “vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition, and garages will remain open for essential repair work”. And the government adds “drivers can be prosecuted if driving unsafe vehicles.”

With many in the UK on COVID-19 lockdown, motorists will question whether getting an MOT test counts as an "essential" reason to leave their home. The government has already issued advice that "lorries, buses and trailers" needing an MOT in the next three months will receive an automatic exemption, barring a few exceptional cases.

Kwik Fit says it is carefully monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak, with centres open for business as usual “where possible” at present. It stresses that the company’s “overriding priority” is the health and well-bring of its staff and customers.