Do You Know the Risks of Worn Tyres?
Your tyres are the only part of your vehicle that touch the road - and when they’re worn or damaged, they put your safety, performance, and even your insurance at risk.
This Tyre Safety Month, MBNI Truck & Van Dungannon and Mallusk are joining the national campaign to help drivers, fleets, and business owners across Northern Ireland stay safe, legal, and confident on the road.
The Risks of Worn Tyres
Ignoring tyre maintenance can have serious consequences:
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Invalid Insurance: If your tyres are illegal or unsafe, your policy could be void in the event of an accident.
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Fines and Penalty Points: Drivers face up to £2,500 in fines and 3 points per tyre for illegal tread depth.
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Increased Accident Risk: Worn tyres reduce grip and dramatically increase stopping distance - especially on wet Northern Irish roads.
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Dangerous Blowouts: Damaged tyres are a leading cause of motorway breakdowns and serious incidents.
Across the UK, defective tyres cause around 160 deaths or serious injuries every year - simple checks can prevent this.
🔧 Check Your Tyres the Smart Way: A.C.T. — Air, Condition, Tread
We’re proud to support TyreSafe’s A.C.T. campaign, which highlights the three key checks every driver should perform before setting off.
A – Air Pressure
Tyres naturally lose air over time. Incorrect pressures affect braking, cornering, and fuel efficiency.
Check your pressures at least once a month - and always before a long journey.
C – Condition
Look out for cuts, cracks, bulges, or objects embedded in the rubber.
Even small defects can lead to slow punctures or sudden blowouts, particularly on heavy vans or trucks.
T – Tread Depth
The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but at MBNI, we recommend replacing tyres once tread depth falls below 3mm for optimum grip and safety.
The Benefits of Driving with Safe Tyres
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Stay Insured: Illegal tyres can invalidate your insurance.
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Avoid Fines & Penalty Points: Keep your licence clean and your wallet safe.
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Better Braking & Handling: Maintain full control on wet, icy, or uneven roads.
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Improved Efficiency: Correctly inflated tyres reduce rolling resistance and save fuel.
Tyre Safety Facts You Should Know:
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Around 6.1 million illegal tyres are on UK roads right now.
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1 in 4 vehicles are driving on unsafe or borderline tyres.
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Over 2 million MOT failures every year are caused by tyre defects.
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Worn tyres increase stopping distance by up to 50% in wet weather.
What to Watch Out For
Our technicians at MBNI Dungannon and Mallusk recommend checking your tyres regularly for:
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Low Tread Depth - Replace before it reaches the legal limit.
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Cracks or Bulges - Signs of age, heat, or impact damage.
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Air Loss - Indicates a slow puncture or damaged valve.
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Uneven Wear - Often caused by poor wheel alignment.
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Excess Vibration - Could mean internal tyre damage.
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Ageing Tyres - Replace every five years, even with low mileage.
Free Tyre Safety Checks at MBNI Dungannon & Mallusk
This Tyre Safety Month, both of our authorised Mercedes-Benz sites in Dungannon and Mallusk are offering complimentary tyre inspections for all cars, vans, and trucks - regardless of make or model.
Our Mercedes-Benz-trained technicians will:
- Check tread depth, pressure, and condition using manufacturer standards.
- Provide a detailed print-out of your tyre health.
- Offer guidance on repairs or replacements using approved tyres.
- Recheck your tyres free of charge if you continue work with us.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
A ten-minute tyre check could save your life, your vehicle, and your insurance cover.
Whether you’re managing a fleet or driving a single Mercedes-Benz, keeping your tyres safe means peace of mind for every journey.
Book your free tyre safety check today at MBNI Truck & Van Dungannon or Mallusk.
Your safety. Your performance. Your Mercedes-Benz.