Men demonstrate greater assurance than women regarding their understanding of tyres, with a third of male drivers claiming high confidence levels, compared with a fifth (20%) of female motorists. Nevertheless, this self-assurance doesn't necessarily reflect actual expertise, according to fresh research involving 2,000 British drivers.
When questioned about the lawful minimum tyre tread depth by tyre retailer Blackcircles, just over half (53%) of male participants responded accurately, compared with 45% of women - a fairly modest gap given men reported considerably higher confidence. Yet men proved more prone to selecting an incorrect response (34%) than their female equivalents (30%).
James Harding, a tyre specialist with more than 16 years of experience at Blackcircles, said: "Drivers who assume the legal minimum is higher (2.5mm) may replace tyres earlier than needed, but those who don't know at all may be at risk of driving illegally or having accidents without realising it. A good way to check your tyre tread depth is to place a 20p coin between the main grooves of the tyre.
"If you can see the coin's outer band, the tyre may have insufficient tread. It is always advisable to check several spots in the circumference of your tyre."
When questioned about 'DOT' markings on tyre sidewalls, both sexes performed disappointingly. Just two-fifths of men and a third of women selected the correct response, 'tyre age and manufacturer'.
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Men proved more willing to hazard an incorrect response (30%) compared to women (24%). Conversely, women showed greater readiness to acknowledge uncertainty (44%) than their male counterparts (30%).
James said: "Low awareness here is a concern, as tyre age can be a hidden safety factor. Rubber degrades over time, even when the tread looks acceptable, which can put drivers at risk."
'Knowledge gap'
James addressed the confidence-knowledge disparity evident in the findings: "It's concerning to see that this confidence is not consistently translated into knowledge. If people believe they know what is right but their perception is wrong, it can lead to dangerous situations.
"Not being aware of the legal tyre tread depth of 1.6mm could either see you spending more on tyre replacements than necessary or leave you in a dangerous situation where your tyres aren't fit for purpose. The same can be said for DOT numbers, which indicate the age of your tyres and can help identify potential hazards linked to worn, aged rubber that might not be visible.
"If not replaced, you could experience tyre blowouts or an accident that risks the safety of the driver, passengers, and others on the road. This could also lead to expensive repairs that far exceed the costs of tyre replacements.
"The knowledge gap around tyre anatomy is also significant, with only 24% of respondents correctly identifying the tyre shoulder, and over half (53%) choosing an incorrect answer. When split by gender, both men and women were more likely to answer incorrectly (M53% and F54%), with 'sidewall' being the most common answer amongst respondents (M35% and F34%).
"Shoulder wear shows early signs of misalignment or underinflation, so overlooking it can lead to missed early warning signs. Regularly checking your tyres for wear and tear helps drivers stay safe on the roads.
"If you are questioning your vehicle and tyre knowledge, I'd advise you to look into your vehicle's specifications and check the likes of your tyre tread and age to make sure these are acceptable and fit for purpose. If you aren't confident in your own abilities, then consider taking your car to your local tyre shop to get an expert opinion on the levels of wear and tear."