Check Your Tyres Once a Month

Most of us only think about our tyres when something feels wrong — a wobble, a warning light, or that sinking feeling when you spot a nail. But tyres are the only part of your car actually touching the road, and giving them a quick check once a month can make a huge difference to safety, handling, and even fuel economy.

It doesn’t need to be complicated. A couple of minutes, three simple checks, and you’re good to go.

1. Tread Depth (The 20p Test)

Your tread is what keeps you gripping the road, especially in the wet. The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but for proper stopping power and stability, aim to stay above 3mm.

The easy way to check:

  • Take a 20p coin
  • Slot it into the main tread grooves
  • If you can see the outer band of the coin, your tread might be below the legal limit

And don’t just check one spot. Look in three different places around the tyre — uneven wear can tell you a lot about alignment or suspension issues.

2. Pressure Check

Tyres naturally lose around 2 PSI a month, even if your car barely moves. Low pressure means poor handling, longer braking distances, and more fuel burned for no good reason.

  • Check pressures when the tyres are cold
  • Find the correct PSI in your vehicle handbook, driver’s door sill, or fuel cap
  • Use a reliable gauge or the air machine at your local petrol station

A quick top‑up now saves a lot of hassle later.

3. Visible Inspection

A simple walk‑around can catch problems early:

  • Cuts or cracks
  • Bulges or lumps
  • Exposed cords
  • Odd or uneven wear patterns

If something looks off, it usually is. Tyre damage can worsen quickly, especially at motorway speeds.

4. Before Long Trips

Heading down the M6? Off on holiday? Doing a long work run? Give your tyres a once‑over before you set off. It’s two minutes that could prevent hours on the hard shoulder.

A&M Tyres, Wigan

We’re your independent tyre supply, fitting and digital wheel alignment specialists. Whether you need a quick pressure check, advice on uneven wear, or full 4‑wheel digital alignment, our team is here to help.

We keep a huge range of tyres in stock at competitive prices, and if you need something more specialist, we can usually get it in quickly. You’ll find us close to Wigan town centre and not far from Junction 26 of the M6.

For all your tyre and wheel alignment needs, choose A&M Tyres Wigan — the friendly, independent tyre professionals.