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UK Tyre Law
Kwik Fit Fleet is Pendragon Vehicle Management's appointed tyre provider
UK tyre law for Cars, Trailers and Vehicles up to a gross weight of 3.5tonnes
What do I need to know about UK tyre law?
UK law requires that your vehicle is fitted with the correct type and size of tyre for the vehicle type you are driving and for the purpose it is being used. This means fitting the right tyres and for safety ensuring that they are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure.
All tyres fitted must be fit for the purpose to which they are to be used i.e. it is illegal to run a vehicle at a higher speed or load (weight/torque) than the tyre is designed to perform at Speed Rating & Load Index.
All road tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central 3/4 of the width, in a continuous, unbroken band all the way round. Should the spare be below this, an advisory note is necessary Pendragon's policy is to change at 2mm.
No tyre shall have a cut in excess of 25mm or 10% of the section width, whichever is the greater, deep enough to expose the ply or cords. Any cord or ply exposure is illegal
No tyre shall have a lump, bulge or tear caused by separation or failure of the tyre structure.
In general (legally), there are no restrictions on mixing of brands, tread patterns or tread depths; on any corner, in any combination. Whilst not specified that energy saving tyres must be replaced with similar energy saving ones, it is Pendragon's policy that the most suitable fuel efficient, cost effective tyres available will used as an alternative.
All vehicle (and tyre) manufacturers advise that 'all tyres should be of the same manufacturer, tread pattern and tread depth all round', however in reality this does not generally happen.
There are, however, vehicles that have been designed in such a way that mixing of any of the above may cause excesses in handling and control, including some Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). Information on which models this affects would be clearly marked in the handbook.
Although, in transport law, there is no legal requirement to follow such instructions, Kwik-Fit has a Duty of Care to ensure that we fit combinations of brands, tread patterns or tread depths etc that is suitable and fit for purpose.
