Tyre Safety Month 2026: Act Before You REact

Book your FREE Tyre Check at your nearest Group 1 dealership and stay safe on the roads.

Book Your Tyre Check

Don't wait for a near miss

Tyre Safety Month returns this October, encouraging drivers across the UK to take a proactive approach to road safety.

At Group 1 Automotive, we're supporting the message from Tyre Safety Month 2026 by offering a FREE tyre safety check to make sure your vehicle is prepared before unexpected situations arise on the road.

Whether you're commuting, heading on a family road trip, or simply making everyday journeys, your tyres play a critical role in keeping you safe. That's why this year's campaign centres around a simple but powerful message: Act Before You REact.



TSM 2026

Why tyre safety matters

Every journey can present unexpected hazards. A sudden stop, heavy rain, debris in the road or another road user making an unpredictable manoeuvre can all test your vehicle's ability to respond safely. While drivers cannot control every situation, they can ensure their tyres are ready to perform when it matters most.

Research from TyreSafe found that many motorists are confident in their driving abilities, yet crucial tyre checks are often overlooked. The campaign highlights the importance of preparation rather than relying solely on driver confidence.

By checking your tyres now, you can help ensure:

  • Better grip in wet conditions
  • Improved braking performance
  • More predictable handling
  • Greater fuel efficiency
  • Reduced risk of tyre-related breakdowns

A few minutes spent inspecting your tyres could make a significant difference when road conditions become more demanding.

One of the key messages behind this year's campaign is that many drivers experience near misses but fail to carry out any vehicle safety checks afterwards. Rather than waiting for a warning sign, regular tyre inspections can help identify potential issues before they become serious problems.



The ACT Check: Three Simple Steps

A : Air Pressure C: Condition T: Tread
Air Pressure Condition Tread

Correct tyre pressures are essential for safe handling, effective braking, fuel efficiency and tyre longevity. Underinflated or overinflated tyres can negatively affect vehicle performance and increase tyre wear.

Inspect each tyre for signs of damage, including cuts, bulges, cracks, embedded objects and any visible irregularities.

Tyre tread helps maintain grip, particularly in wet conditions. The legal minimum tread depth for passenger vehicles in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its entire circumference.

Take advantage of a FREE tyre check at Group 1 Automotive

 



Preparing for Autumn and Winter Driving

Not sure if your tyres are ready for the months ahead? At Group 1 Automotive, we offer a free tyre check, giving you added peace of mind before autumn and winter driving conditions arrive.

Our trained technicians can assess:

  • Tyre tread depth
  • Tyre pressures
  • Signs of damage, including cuts, cracks and bulges
  • Overall tyre condition and safety

If any issues are identified, we'll provide expert advice on the next steps to help keep you safely on the road. If replacements are required, we offer a range of options, from budget to premium, and every tyre brought from Group 1 is covered with puncture repair for life (repaired to British legal standard).

Tyre Safety Month is the perfect reminder to give your vehicle some attention before an unexpected situation puts your tyres to the test. By taking a few minutes to check your tyres, or by booking a free tyre check with Group 1 Automotive, you can help improve safety, performance and confidence behind the wheel.

TSM 2 2026


Follow our simple guides to stay safe on the roads


Learn how to safely check your tyre pressure with our easy to follow video

0.04 - Introduction
0:11 - Where to check your Tyre Pressure
0:17 - How to find the recommended PSI/BAR/kPa pressure for your tyres
0:29 - Step 1: Removing the dust cap
0:41 - Step 2: Checking the current pressure
0:51 - Step 3 - Inflating your tyres
1:02 - Tyre Pressure tips
1:17 - Book a complimentary tyre check at your nearest Group 1 dealership


Learn how to efficiently and safely change your car tyres with our easy to follow video


0:05 - Introduction
0:10 - Safe Positioning
0:17 - Check List
0:37 - Step One - plastic trim removal (if fitted)
0:42 - Step Two - loosening the wheel nuts
0:51 - Step Three - jacking up the car
1:14 - Step Four - removing the wheel
1:20 - Step Five - fitting the replacement wheel

Why not book a free tyre check by one of our fully trained technicians at your nearest Group 1 dealership.


Learn how to correctly check your car tyre tread depth with our easy to follow video

Did you know that the legal tread limit is 1.6mm, but it is recommended to replace your tyre at 3mm?

0:04 - Tools required to check your tyre tread depth
0:13 - Step One - Wheel position
0:22 - Step Two - Taking measurements
0:26 - Legal tread limit
0:34 - Using a 20 pence piece coin to measure your tyre tread depth
0:44 - Tips

You can also book a free tyre check by one of our fully trained technicians at your nearest Group 1 dealership.

Frequently Asked Tyre Questions

The numbers and letters on a tyre’s sidewall give you important details about its size and fit. For example, 205/55 R16 means the tyre is 205mm wide, has a sidewall height that's 55% of the width, and fits a 16-inch wheel rim. 

You’ll also spot other markings, like the 3PMSF snowflake symbol (a snowflake inside a mountain), which shows the tyre is certified for winter use, or a star marking, which indicates it’s been specifically developed and approved for BMW models. 

If your tread depth is under 1.6mm or you notice uneven wear, cracks or bulges, it's time to replace them. We can check this for you during your free tyre check.

Premium tyres usually offer better performance in braking, wet grip and road noise.

Mid-range tyres strike a balance between quality and price, but may have shorter lifespans.

Our team monitors your order and will contact you if the tyre you've selected isn't compatible with your vehicle. Feel free to get in touch with your local dealership if you have any concerns or questions. 

Most fittings take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on your vehicle and tyre type. 

We provide free puncture repairs for life on any tyre purchased from one of our dealerships*

*Up to Legal Tyre Limit. Repair carried out to British Safety Standards.

When replacing your BMW or MINI tyres, check the sidewall for one of the following markings: 

  • ROF: This marking stands for Run on Flat and is used by brands like Goodyear, Bridgestone and Dunlop.
  • EMT: This marking stands for Extended Mobility Technology and is used by Goodyear.
  • ZP or ZPS: This marking stands for Zero Pressure System and is used by Michelin and Yokohama.

If a tyre is run flat, it will typically allow you to drive for up to 50 miles at speeds of up to 50mph, even after a puncture.

Look for the letters “MO” or “MOE” on the tyre sidewall.

“MO” indicates a standard Mercedes-Benz approved tyre, while “MOE” means Extended Mobility – a run flat tyre that lets you continue driving after a puncture.