If you’re an owner of a Land Rover in the UK that had more than 9 seats, then you must check your tyres’ age before a new rule comes into force on 1 February 2021.

Land Rover Owner International report that changes to Construction and Use Regulations will be made law from the beginning of February, which primarily affects coaches, heavy goods vehicles and bigger minibuses.

However, 10- and 12-seater Land Rovers will be affected by the new rules, which deem that tyres over 10 years old will not be permitted to be used on single wheels fitted to a minibus (9-16 seats).

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSO) has confirmed that 10- and 12-seater Land Rovers do meet the definition of a minibus.

The new regulations will not apply to vehicles over 40 years old that are used for non-commercial purposes, but 10+ seat long-wheelbase (109-inch, One Ten and 110) station wagon models from late Series III through to 2007, when rules regarding forward-facing seats were introduced, will be affected.

Any tyre manufactured from the year 2000 will have the date stamped on them in the form of a four-digit number – the first two digits the week of manufacture, the second two indicating the year.

The recommended lifespan of a tyre is just five years from the date of manufacture as the rubber deteriorates, which sometimes shows up as cracking, but can often be invisible.

The rubber can harden, so won’t be as compliant and grippy, plus cuts and nicks in the rubber can allow water to get into the steel within the carcass which can rust and fail.

Whatever you drive, the tyres are the only part of the vehicle in contact with the road, so they must be in prime condition.

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