Tyre health checks
A free tyre check every time we come to you
Whenever we are with you for new tyres, a puncture repair or any other job, we check every tyre on the car for free and tell you whether it is legal, safe and how long it has left.
- Free with any booking
- All four tyres checked
- Honest advice on what can wait
Front of car
Front left
- Tread depth
- Pressure
- Age
- Cuts and bulges
Front right
- Tread depth
- Pressure
- Age
- Cuts and bulges
Every tyre, every visit
Rear left
- Tread depth
- Pressure
- Age
- Cuts and bulges
Rear right
- Tread depth
- Pressure
- Age
- Cuts and bulges
The law
Legal tyre tread depth in the UK
The minimum tread depth for car tyres is 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre, all the way around. Each tyre below the limit counts separately, so four worn tyres could mean twelve points.
1.6mm
Minimum tread depth across the central three quarters of the tyre
3mm
The point many safety experts recommend changing tyres
£2,500
Maximum fine for each tyre below the legal limit
3 points
Penalty points for each illegal tyre
20p
The 20p test for tyres
Put a 20p coin into the main tread grooves. If you cannot see the outer band of the coin, the tread is above the legal limit. If you can see the band, have the tyres checked properly.
What we check
What is included in a tyre check
Every tyre on the car is looked at, and you get a straight answer on each one.
01
Tread depth
Measured across each tyre and compared with the 1.6mm legal minimum and the 3mm point many experts recommend changing at.
02
Tyre pressures
Each tyre set to your car’s figures, as low pressure wears tyres faster and uses more fuel.
03
Age of the tyre
The date code on the sidewall shows when each tyre was made, useful on older or low mileage cars.
04
Uneven wear
Wear on one edge can point to a wheel alignment or suspension problem. We do not offer alignment ourselves, but we will tell you so you can get it checked at a garage.
05
Cuts and bulges
Sidewall bulges, deep cuts and cracking all mean a tyre should be replaced.
Prefer to talk? Call 0330 043 4147, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Tyre check
Free
with any booking
How much does a tyre check cost?
Nothing. The check is free whenever we are with you for another job. We do not make a separate trip just for a check, so mention it when you book your tyres or repair.
Between visits
When to check your own tyres
A quick look at your tyres once a month, and the 20p test, catches most problems early.
Also at your door
Other services we bring to you
Next day mobile tyre fitting
New budget, midrange or premium tyres supplied and fitted at your home or workplace the next working day.
TPMS servicing
Tyre pressure warning light on? Sensors checked, and replaced and coded to your car if one has failed.
Puncture repairs
Nail or screw in the tread? Repaired where your car is parked when the damage meets British Standard BS AU 159.
Or see every service on our mobile tyre services page.
Where we work
Free tyre checks across Lincoln and nearby villages
If your postcode is not listed, call 0330 043 4147 and we will check.
What is the minimum tread depth in the UK?
1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre, all the way around. Many safety experts recommend replacing tyres at 3mm.
Is 3mm tyre tread OK for an MOT?
Yes. The legal minimum for cars is 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tread, all the way around, so 3mm passes. Many safety experts recommend changing tyres at 3mm, because grip in the wet drops as the tread wears, so it is a good point to plan new ones.
What is the fine for illegal tyres?
Up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points for each tyre below the legal limit. Four illegal tyres could mean fines of up to £10,000 and 12 points, which is enough to lose your licence. A free check whenever we visit helps you spot worn tyres before they reach that point.
How can I check my tread depth myself?
Use the 20p test. Put a 20p coin into the main tread grooves. If the outer band of the coin is hidden, you are above the legal limit. If you can see it, book a check with your next job or call us.
How often should I check my tyres?
Take a quick look and do the 20p test once a month, and before a long journey, before winter and before your MOT. Check straight away after hitting a kerb or a deep pothole, if the car pulls to one side or if the tyre pressure light comes on.
What does a free tyre check include?
We look at every tyre on the car: tread depth against the 1.6mm legal minimum, tyre pressures, tyre age, uneven wear, and any cuts or bulges. You get a straight answer on each tyre, and we price anything that needs doing before starting any work.
Is the tyre check really free?
Yes, whenever we are with you for another job. We do not make a separate trip just for a check.
What happens if you find a problem?
We explain what we found and price any repair or new tyre before doing anything. See mobile tyre replacement.
Book today, checked tomorrow
Find out where your tyres stand
Book any job and we check all four tyres for free while we are with you.
- Free with any booking
- Done where your car is parked
- Order by midnight for the next working day
Prefer to talk? Call 0330 043 4147, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday