Question

Difficulty: MediumTyre Safety and Requirements

Maintaining tyre safety is essential for roadworthiness and vehicle control under UK driving regulations. Match each tyre condition or scenario to its corresponding safety requirement or legal rule.

  • Checking baseline tyre pressure during regular maintenanceMeasure pressure while the tyres are cold using an accurate gauge
  • Preparing a car to carry maximum passenger and luggage weightInflate tyres to higher manufacturer-specified figures to support the extra weight
  • Driving with a temporary space-saver spare wheel fittedRestrict driving speed to a maximum of 50 mph (80 km/h) and replace as soon as possible
  • Assessing tyre tread legality across the central three-quarters of the treadVerify a minimum continuous depth of 1.6 mm around the entire outer circumference

Answer

Baseline checks require cold tyre measurement; heavy loads require higher tyre pressure; space-saver wheels require speed restriction to 50 mph; and tread legality requires at least 1.6 mm depth across the central three-quarters and entire outer circumference.
Each scenario directly pairs with its statutory rule or manufacturer maintenance guideline: cold tyre pressure checks avoid inflated thermal readings, heavy loads demand higher tyre pressures, space-saver spares carry a strict 50 mph limit, and legal car tread depth must be at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters and around the complete circumference.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the standard maintenance protocol for tyre pressure checks
Matched regular baseline checks with testing tyres cold
Air expands when warm, so checking cold ensures an accurate reading without false high pressure values.
2
Determine the necessary adjustment when transporting maximum cargo or passengers
Matched maximum vehicle load with inflating tyres to higher manufacturer specifications
Extra weight increases tyre flexing and rolling resistance, requiring higher pressure to maintain structural integrity and handling.
3
Recall the legal and mechanical restrictions on emergency space-saver tyres
Matched space-saver wheel use with the 50 mph maximum speed restriction
Space-saver tyres have smaller contact patches and reduced grip, making them suitable only for temporary low-speed driving.
4
Apply the statutory UK tyre tread requirements for passenger cars
Matched central three-quarters tread assessment with the 1.6 mm minimum depth mandate
The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations require 1.6 mm continuous tread depth across the central 75% of the tyre and around its whole circumference.

Key Concept

Tyre safety maintenance standards, load adjustments, emergency wheel limits, and statutory tread depth limits under UK driving law.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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