Keeping You Safe On The Road
Tyre safety is about more than meeting legal requirements. It is about understanding the vehicle, the journey, the driver and the conditions that tyres face every day.
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Tyre safety is a responsibility shared by motorists, depots, dealerships, tyre retailers and the wider tyre industry.
A recent TyreCheck report highlights why that responsibility matters. Across the UK, 7.69% of vehicles checked were found to have illegal tyres, with a further 31.79% classed as barely legal, sitting between 1.6mm and 2.0mm of tread. For Northern Ireland, the figures are more concerning, with 20.4% of vehicles in the regional survey found to have illegal tyres. Belfast was also highlighted as a key urban concern, with 29.5% of vehicles checked running on illegal tyres.
of UK vehicles checked had illegal tyres.
were classed as barely legal, between 1.6mm and 2.0mm.
of vehicles in the Northern Ireland survey had illegal tyres.
of vehicles checked in Belfast were running on illegal tyres.
As an Antrim-based tyre distributor working with depots, dealerships, workshops, mobile fitters and multi-site operators across Northern Ireland, TyreCall understands the tyre challenges facing Northern Ireland’s roads. From busy city traffic to rural routes, agricultural work, dealership handovers and commercial fleets covering thousands of miles every week, different people and businesses places different demands on tyres. That is why we do more than supply tyres. We give tyre depots, dealerships, workshops, mobile fitters and multi-site operators the local knowledge, product choice and support they need to help keep motorists safe on our roads.
UK law requires vehicles to be fitted with the correct type and size of tyre for the vehicle and its intended use. That means tyre choice should never be an afterthought. For some drivers, a reliable everyday tyre may be the right option. For others, the journey may involve heavier loads, commercial use, rural roads, wet conditions, long motorway miles or specialist working environments.
TyreCall helps trade customers access a broad range of premium, mid-range, budget and specialist tyres, supporting responsible recommendations across a wide variety of applications.
Winter or snow tyres are also a personal choice rather than a legal requirement in the UK. For many drivers, the decision comes down to the type of journeys they make, the roads they use and the conditions they are likely to face. This is where professional advice from a tyre specialist can make a real difference.
Regular tyre checks help drivers stay safer, avoid unnecessary costs and reduce the risk of roadside issues.
Check your tread depth
For cars, light vans and light trailers, your tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread to meet the legal minimum requirement, but it’s crucial to understand that safety should not stop at the legal limit. Replacing tyres before they reach 1.6mm is strongly recommended, with many vehicle manufacturers advising replacement at 3mm. In wet conditions, lower tread depth can also significantly increase stopping distances, reducing grip when you need it most.
Keep tyre pressures correct
Having the correct tyre pressure will also support safety on Northern Ireland roads whilst improving fuel economy, tyre life and vehicle performance. The correct pressure can often be found in your owner’s manual or inside the vehicle door frame. Under-inflated tyres can overheat, increase fuel use and wear more quickly, whilst over-inflated tyres can reduce handling performance and cause uneven wear. This is exactly why keeping tyres at the right pressure will help your vehicle run more efficiently, which can also reduce CO2 emissions.
Look for visible damage
Every driver should regularly check their tyres for cuts, lumps, bulges, cracks, punctures or exposed cords. This type of damage can be caused by potholes, kerbs or objects in the road and if you do identify any issues, it’s best to follow up with a qualified tyre professional. Even small signs of damage can point to a bigger safety issue.
Watch for uneven wear
Uneven tyre wear can indicate problems with pressure, alignment, suspension and tyre suitability. For example, if one tyre is wearing faster than the other, wheel alignment may need to be checked. Poor alignment not only impacts tyre life but also negatively affects handling and can lead to premature replacement.
Get your tyres checked after sudden impacts
A hard impact with a kerb or pothole can damage a tyre, even if the issue is not immediately obvious. Sudden heavy braking can also cause flat spots, therefore, if your vehicle has been involved in an emergency manoeuvre, impact or heavy braking, it is always worth having the tyres checked by a specialist.
Every driver is responsible for keeping their tyres legal and roadworthy, but they rely on trusted tyre professionals for the right checks, advice and replacements, and TyreCall is here to support that work.
Tyre depots, dealerships, tyre retailers and fitters all play a pivotal role in identifying issues, giving advice and fitting the right products. With local knowledge, access to a wide tyre range and trusted tyre brands across Northern Ireland, TyreCall’s friendly, experienced and knowledgeable team is here to help.
Whether it is helping a dealership order the right tyres across their branches, ensuring a mobile fitter has the rapid stock required for an emergency repair or supplying a rural workshop, our focus remains the same: helping the trade keep customers moving safely.
Because safer roads here in Northern Ireland and beyond depend on the right tyre, the right advice and the right support behind every journey.
