Tyre Safety Checklist: 5-Minute Monthly Inspection
30% of vehicle breakdowns involve tyre problems — most of which are preventable with a simple monthly check. This 5-minute inspection catches dangerous issues before they become roadside emergencies.
The 5-Minute Monthly Check
Step 1: Visual Scan (1 minute)
Walk around your car and look at each tyre for:
- Bulges or bubbles on the sidewall → STOP driving, replace immediately
- Visible cords or steel belts → STOP driving, replace immediately
- Embedded objects (nails, screws, glass) → Drive carefully to a shop
- Cracks in the sidewall → Monitor closely, plan replacement
- Missing chunks of rubber → Professional assessment needed
🚨 Immediate Danger Signs
Sidewall bulges mean the internal structure has failed. The tyre can blow out at any speed without warning. Do NOT drive on a bulging tyre — not even to a shop. Call for roadside assistance.
Step 2: Tread Depth (2 minutes)
Use the 2 kr coin test on each tyre:
- Insert coin into the main groove
- Ring hidden = 3mm+ (OK)
- Ring visible = under 3mm (replace before winter)
- Check at 3 points: center, inner edge, outer edge
Step 3: Pressure Check (2 minutes)
Use a gauge (or petrol station air pump):
- Check when tyres are cold (before driving)
- Compare to the door frame sticker values
- Include the spare tyre (often forgotten)
ℹ️ Pressure Changes with Temperature
For every 10°C temperature drop, tyre pressure decreases by about 1.5 PSI. Check pressure more frequently in autumn and winter — under-inflated tyres wear faster and have longer braking distances.
What Uneven Wear Tells You
| Wear Pattern | Likely Cause | Action Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Center worn | Over-inflation | Reduce pressure |
| Both edges worn | Under-inflation | Increase pressure, check for leaks |
| One side worn | Alignment off | Get wheel alignment (800-1,500 kr) |
| Patchy spots | Suspension issue | Check shocks/bushings |
| Feathered edges | Toe alignment off | Get alignment checked |
⚠️ Don't Ignore One-Side Wear
This is the most common pattern after hitting potholes. Left unchecked, it can destroy a tyre in weeks. A wheel alignment costs 800-1,500 kr — much cheaper than a new tyre.
Seasonal Inspection Calendar
Spring (March-April): Post-Winter Check
- Wash off salt and debris
- Check for pothole and ice damage
- Measure tread depth for summer driving
- Inspect for cracking from cold storage
Pre-Winter (October): Winter Readiness
- Measure stored winter tyre tread depth
- Check for age-related cracking (>6 years old)
- Verify stud condition (if using studded tyres)
- Confirm proper pressure for cold weather
Monthly Year-Round
- Quick visual walk-around
- Pressure check (especially after temperature changes)
- Look for new embedded objects
- Note any new vibrations or pulling
When to See a Professional
Immediately
- New vibrations at highway speeds
- Rapid pressure loss (5+ PSI per week)
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Visible damage to sidewall or tread
Within a Week
- Uneven wear patterns appearing
- Increased road noise from tyres
- Tread approaching minimum depth
- After hitting a large pothole or curb
Annually
- Comprehensive alignment check
- Suspension inspection
- Brake wear assessment
- Professional tread measurement
Emergency: If You Suspect Tyre Failure While Driving
- Don't brake suddenly — grip gradually
- Hazard lights on — signal other drivers
- Slow down gradually — steer to the shoulder
- Park safely — flat ground, away from traffic
- Assess the situation — call for help if unsure
💡 Tyre Emergency Kit
Keep in your car: reflective triangle, high-vis vest, tyre pressure gauge, and your tyre shop's phone number. In Norway, the reflective triangle is legally required.
Cost: Prevention vs Emergency
| Situation | Cost |
|---|---|
| Monthly DIY checks | Free |
| Annual professional inspection | 500-800 kr |
| New tyre (planned purchase) | 1,000-3,000 kr |
| Emergency roadside tyre change | 2,000-5,000 kr |
| Towing (tyre failure) | 3,000-8,000 kr |
| Accident from tyre failure | Potentially unlimited |
Quick Reference Card
Monthly (5 min): Visual check + pressure + coin test
Warning signs to act on immediately:
- Bulges/bubbles on sidewall
- Visible cords or steel
- Rapid pressure loss
- New vibrations
Safe to monitor:
- Minor sidewall cracks (plan replacement)
- Slow pressure loss (check weekly)
- Gradual tread wear (replace at recommended depth)
Need a professional safety inspection? Contact Kisolve for comprehensive tyre assessment and expert advice on your tyre condition.