You need to check your tyres for wear regularly. Illegal tyres can cause heavy fines and potentially points on your license, so make sure you follow the rules. When you check your tread depth on a passenger type vehicle (for not more than 8 seated passengers) you must have at least 1.6mm throughout a continuous band in the centre ¾ of the tread and around the entire circumference. For heavy goods vehicles (exceeding 3,500kg gross weight) you must have at least 1.0mm.
You no longer need to carry a spare tyre as many new vehicles come with emergency tyre sealant and compressor/inflator packs. However, if you do carry a spare tyre, you must ensure that this meets all the lawful requirements before you use it. Even though it doesn’t have to meet these whilst it is stowed away the moment it is in use it must be fit for purpose.
