The department of Transport have outlined plans to ban tyres more than 10 years old on buses, minibuses, coaches and HGV's.

There is already guidance in place that tyres more than 10 years old should not be on the front axles of these vehicles, the legislation put forward is based on a "precautionary principle" to reduce risk.

For a long time tyre manufacturers have recommended that tyres are changed if older than 10 years and it is astounding to see legislation taking so long on this element of safety.

How to check the age of your tyres:

The writing on the side of the tyre can be found following the inscription "DOT"

The last four numbers identify the date of manufacture of the tyre to the nearest week. The first two numbers are the week the tyre was made (1-52). The last two numbers was the year the tyre was made.

Tyres produced before the year 2000 have three numbers not four. 274 would be the 27th week in 1994.

For advice on new tyres please pop in and see us with your car. For the best tyre prices use our pricing tool here.