It's easy to think of safe driving purely in terms of skill and judgement, but all of that is delivered to the road through your tyres. Tread patterns exist to channel water away and maintain grip; when tread wears down, that grip — especially in the wet — drops sharply, and stopping distances increase. Tyre pressure matters too: under-inflated tyres wear unevenly and can overheat, while over-inflated tyres reduce the size of the contact patch and can make the car feel less stable in corners. A simple visual and pressure check before a long trip, and paying attention to tread wear indicators built into most tyres, is one of the cheapest ways to reduce driving risk.
Source: Arrive Alive Road Safety Initiative
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my tyre tread is too worn?
Most tyres have built-in tread wear indicator bars — small raised bars in the grooves that become flush with the tread surface once it's worn down to the legal minimum.
Does tyre pressure really affect handling?
Yes — incorrect pressure changes the size and shape of the tyre's contact patch with the road, affecting grip, braking distance and even fuel consumption.
How often should I check my tyres?
A quick visual and pressure check monthly, and always before a long trip, is a reasonable habit for most drivers.
Are worn tyres more dangerous in the rain than on a dry road?
Considerably — tread is what channels water out from under the tyre, so worn tread loses effectiveness in the wet far more than it does on a dry surface.