The Essential Car Tyres Checklist Before a Family Road Trip

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Packing snacks, sorting playlists and double-checking the sat nav are all part of getting ready for a family road trip. But before you even think about which service station to stop at, there's one job that matters more than any of that: checking your car tyres. Tyres are the only part of your vehicle touching the road, and with a boot full of luggage and excitable kids in the back, they'll be working harder than usual.

Man packing luggage into the boot of a car before setting off on a family road trip.

Check the Tread Depth First

The UK legal minimum is 1.6mm, but for a long family journey, especially if you're heading somewhere with unpredictable weather, it's worth having a bit more grip in reserve. A simple 20p test at home will quickly show whether your car tyres need replacing before you set off. If the outer rim of the coin is visible when inserted into the tread groove, it's time to consider a replacement. Browse options at Northwest Tyres for car tyres and discover durable, performance-focused tyres for everyday use, so you're not left making a last-minute decision the night before you leave.

Get the Pressure Right for a Loaded Car

Don't forget to check your tyre pressures too. Low tyre pressure reduces grip, increases fuel consumption, causes uneven wear and affects handling. Overinflated or underinflated tyres can also affect comfort and handling. An incorrectly inflated tyre can make the journey less comfortable, especially for children, making it less enjoyable. Bear in mind that if your car is carrying extra passengers, luggage or a roof box it will probably need higher tyre pressures than you would for everyday driving. You can find the recommended pressures in your owner's manual or the label inside the driver's door frame which includes the recommended pressures for a fully loaded car.

Look Out for Damage

Also give each tyre a quick visual check. Look for cracks, bulges, or things stuck in the tyre like screws or stones, especially on the sidewalls. These problems aren’t always obvious when you’re just checking pressure or tread. A small crack might seem minor, but after several hours of motorway driving it can become a big issue. If anything looks off, it’s best to get it checked by a professional before you’re miles from home.

Don't Forget the Spare

Don’t forget about your spare tyre (or repair kit if you have one). There are many families who don’t even think of checking their spare tyre until they need to – then find out that it’s flat or completely missing! It’s worth checking it before you leave, while you're not under pressure and before the kids get tired from the journey.

Note the Age of Your Tyres

Even if the car tyres look fine, rubber has a limited lifespan. Tyres that are more than five or six years old should be inspected. Spending twenty minutes checking your car tyres could save you hours of delays, or something far more serious during your journey. Once your car is ready for the journey, you can focus on the fun parts of the trip: the games, the pit stops, and the memories you're setting off to make.