October marks Tyre Safety Month, a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of regular tyre checks and safe driving.
This article will explore the campaign’s goals and offer practical tips for staying safe on the road.
What is Tyre Safety Month?
Tyre Safety Month is an annual road safety campaign led by the road safety charity, Tyre Safety, to educate drivers about the importance of regular tyre maintenance. Held every October, it highlights key safety checks and offers practical advice to help prevent tyre-related accidents from occurring on British roads.
Throughout the month, garages, tyre retailers and road safety groups across the UK often offer free tyre checks, guidance and awareness activities to raise awareness of tyre maintenance and the risks posed by defective and illegal tyres.
Why October?
October marks the seasonal shift into colder, wetter weather when tyres are put under more pressure as roads become more slippery, visibility decreases, and stopping distances increase. By encouraging checks in October, drivers can prepare for the challenging winter driving months ahead.
2025 Tyre Safety Under Pressure Campaign
Tyre Safety Month 2025 goes ‘Under Pressure’ to highlight how stress and financial worries can lead to neglecting simple tyre checks and the serious risks that come with it. It also aims to educate on how easy it is to check tyre pressure and why it matters.
For instance, driving with underinflated tyres can affect braking, handling and fuel efficiency, while overinflated tyres can reduce grip and increase wear. According to TyreSafe, ‘On average, 152 people are killed or seriously injured (KSI) every year in incidents caused by defective tyres’. These figures are a powerful reminder that regular tyre checks are vital in preventing avoidable accidents.
The A.C.T. Method
TyreSafe introduced its ‘ACT’ campaign to simplify tyre checks by breaking them down into clear steps:
Air pressure
Check your tyres’ air pressure monthly and before long trips. This can be done accurately by using your vehicle’s recommended pressure levels shown in your car manual or on a sticker located on the inside of the driver’s side door frame.
Condition
When inspecting your tyres, look for cracks, cuts, bulges or embedded objects that could cause a flat tyre. Even minor signs of damage can weaken the tyre’s structure, leading to a breakdown or accident. Therefore, it’s best to have any issues checked and repaired as soon as you see any sign of damage.
Tread
When maintaining your tyres, it’s essential to ensure your tyre tread depth is at least 1.6mm, the legal minimum, so they can retain proper grip on the road, especially in wet conditions and help reduce the risk of skidding or losing control.
How to Make Tyre Safety a Habit All Year Round
Set a Reminder
Schedule a monthly reminder on your phone or calendar to check tyre pressure, tread depth, and condition, ensuring they’re roadworthy and performing efficiently.
Check Before Long Trips
Always inspect your tyres before driving long distances. A few minutes spent checking can prevent accidents, breakdowns and delays.
Learn to Use a Gauge
Learning to use a pressure gauge accurately ensures your tyres are always at the correct pressure. This improves handling, fuel efficiency and tyre lifespan.
Visit a Garage
Getting your tyres serviced by a professional can help with slow leaks and hidden damage before they turn into bigger problems. Consider booking at least twice a year or before long trips to help keep your tyres in top condition and prevent problems on the road.
Stay Informed
Staying informed about tyre safety campaigns, manufacturer recommendations, and taking advice from an experienced driving instructor can help you stay up to date with legal requirements and best practices. You’ll always know when to replace, rotate or maintain tyres, keeping you safer every day of the year.
Shad Zahoor is a highly qualified driving instructor based in Nottingham, with over 10 years of experience teaching learner drivers. He holds an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) qualification from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and specialises in helping nervous beginners gain confidence behind the wheel. Shad’s teaching philosophy centres on patience, clear communication, and fostering a positive learning environment.
He excels in advanced driving techniques and defensive driving, offering tailored lessons to suit individual needs. With a passion for road safety and a commitment to producing skilled, responsible drivers, Shad takes pride in his high pass rate and helping people achieve their dream of driving.