Free — No Booking Required

Tyre Safety Check

A free, professional inspection of all four tyres covering tread depth, pressure, sidewall condition, valve stems, and more. Takes 10–15 minutes. Walk-ins welcome.

1 in 4

vehicles on UK roads has at least one tyre below the legal tread limit

TyreSafe

£2,500

maximum fine per illegal tyre, plus 3 penalty points on your licence

UK Law

75%

longer stopping distance on wet roads with worn tyres vs. new tyres

MIRA Research

Free

tyre safety check at TC Tyre & Autocare — no booking required

TC Tyre

What We Do

What Is a Tyre Safety Check?

A tyre safety check is a thorough, professional inspection of all four tyres on your vehicle. Our technicians use calibrated equipment to assess every aspect of tyre condition — not just a quick glance. The whole process takes around 10–15 minutes and is completely free of charge.

Tread Depth

We measure the tread depth across the full width of each tyre using a calibrated gauge. The legal minimum in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. We recommend replacing tyres at 3mm for optimal safety.

Legal minimum: 1.6mm

Tyre Pressure

We check the inflation pressure on all four tyres and compare against your vehicle's recommended pressures (found in the door jamb or owner's handbook). Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption and braking distances; over-inflated tyres reduce grip.

Check monthly & before long journeys

Sidewall Condition

We inspect both sidewalls for cuts, bulges, cracks, or impact damage. A bulge in the sidewall indicates internal structural damage and the tyre must be replaced immediately — it can fail without warning at speed.

Any bulge = immediate replacement

General Tyre Condition

We look for uneven wear patterns (which can indicate wheel alignment or suspension issues), embedded objects such as nails or screws, and any signs of ageing or cracking in the rubber compound.

Includes embedded object check

Valve Stems

We check the condition of all four valve stems and caps. Damaged or missing valve caps allow moisture and dirt to enter, causing slow pressure loss. A cracked valve stem can cause a sudden blowout.

Often overlooked — we check every time

TPMS Warning Light

If your dashboard TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) warning light is on, we'll diagnose the cause. It could be a pressure issue, a faulty sensor, or a sensor that needs reprogramming after a tyre change.

Free diagnosis included

DIY Guide

How to Check Your Tyres Yourself

You don't need to be a mechanic to keep your tyres safe. These six checks take less than 10 minutes and could save your life. We recommend doing them once a month and before any long journey.

Not confident doing it yourself? Bring your vehicle in — we'll check everything for free.

Book a Free Check

Why It Matters

Why You Should Check Your Tyres Regularly

Your tyres are the only part of your vehicle in contact with the road. Four patches of rubber, each roughly the size of your hand, are responsible for steering, braking, and keeping you on the road. Their condition directly affects your safety and the safety of everyone around you.

Worn or under-inflated tyres significantly increase your stopping distance. In wet conditions, a car travelling at 70mph with tyres at 1.6mm tread takes up to 44 metres longer to stop than a car with new tyres. That's the length of four double-decker buses.

Beyond safety, illegal tyres carry serious legal consequences. Each illegal tyre can result in a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points on your licence. With four illegal tyres, you could face a ban and a £10,000 fine.

Stopping Distance

Worn tyres (1.6mm) take up to 44 metres longer to stop in the wet compared to new tyres at 70mph. That's the difference between a near miss and a serious collision.

Legal Requirement

UK law requires a minimum of 1.6mm tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Driving on illegal tyres risks a £2,500 fine and 3 penalty points per tyre.

Fuel Efficiency

Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which means your engine works harder and burns more fuel. Correct tyre pressure can improve fuel economy by up to 3%.

Blowout Prevention

Sidewall bulges, cracks, and impact damage can cause sudden tyre failure at speed. Regular checks catch these issues before they become dangerous.

Quick Tip

The 20p Test

Take a 20p coin and insert it into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the coin is hidden by the tread, your tyres are above the legal limit. If you can see the outer band, your tyres may be illegal — bring your vehicle in for a free check immediately.

🪙

Outer band hidden = LEGAL ✓

Outer band visible = CHECK IMMEDIATELY ✗

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Get in Touch

Book Your Free Safety Check

Walk-ins always welcome. Or book a time below and we'll have everything ready for you.

Prefer to Call?

Mobile / WhatsApp

07721 166844

Opening Hours

Monday – Saturday: 9:00am – 6:00pm

Walk-ins welcome during all opening hours.

Our Address

Unit 4 Healey Row, Burnley, BB11 2HG

No obligation. Walk-ins also welcome Mon–Sat 9am–6pm.