Reading Tyre Codes and Why Both Axles Matter
Tyres carry a wealth of information printed on their sidewalls — a code that tells you their size, structure, performance, and age.
Tyres carry a wealth of information printed on their sidewalls — a code that tells you their size, structure, performance, and age.
Every October in the UK, motorists are reminded of one of the most critical — yet often overlooked — components of vehicle safety: the tyres.
Road safety doesn’t stop in September. Halloween brings children in dark costumes, excited and distracted. Christmas and the Three Kings add heavy traffic, crowded streets, and more risk of theft.
Rain increases risks on the road. Check your windscreen, wipers, tyres, and lights before setting off. In wet conditions, slow down, avoid sudden manoeuvres, and be careful around puddles — they can cause aquaplaning or splash pedestrians, especially near schools.
As autumn progresses, visibility worsens. High-visibility clothing and reflective accessories can make pedestrians and cyclists visible 60–80% further away than dark clothing.
In Spain, the only safe limit for alcohol and drugs when driving is zero. Legal limits are already lower than in many countries, and for young drivers under 18 the limit is zero. Professional drivers, such as those operating school buses, face even stricter rules, and forthcoming legislation may lower the threshold further for everyone