Check Your Tyres before your hols

Motorists are being urged to check the condition of their tyres before going on holiday to help reduce the risk of causing an accident.

With an increased volume of traffic on the roads this summer as more familys opt for a UK based holiday, non-profit organisation Tyre safe is encouraging all motorists to check their tyre pressure, tread depth and general tyre condition before they set off on holiday.

Driving on correctly inflated tyres with sufficient tread depth is fundamental to both driver and passenger safety.

Motorists can significantly reduce the risk of causing an accident or having to change a tyre mid-route by factoring in time to check their tyres and act on any problems well in advance of their departure date.

By making tyre safety a priority when planning a driving holiday, motorists can help to ensure that they experience a safer, trouble free journey, said Stuart Jackson chairman, TyreSafe.

He said: “TyreSafe is advising families to make sure their tyres are inflated to the correct level, as indicated in the manufacturers handbook, and to remember that when the car is fully laden with passengers and luggage, it may be necessary to increase the pressure tio the recommended level for the vehicle when fully loaded.

“It is also important to check that a tyres tread depth is at least 1.6mm, the UK’s legal minimum, as driving on tyres with illegal tread has a substancial effect on stopping distances in the wet.”

Driving on under inflated tyres causes motorists a number of difficulties, including premature tyre wear, erratic handling and reduced fuel economy.

More significantly, the extra heat build-up inside the tyre when under inflated can lead to a blow-out, potentially causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Tread depth is essential to safe breaking in the wet.

As tyre tread wears down, it gradually loses the ability to evacuate water from the road surface, increasing the risk of aquaplaning. Drivers can incur fines of £2,500 and three penalty points per illegal tyre.

“Checking the general condition of tyres is also vital to safe driving,” continues Jackson.

“Taking a few minutes to remove any stones or foreign objects from the tread and check that there are no cus or bulges in the tyre sidewall could prevent roadside misery at a later stage.

“Motorway gridlock is a common sight in the summer months and one that could be avoided if more motorists made time for straightforward tyre safety checks and replacing illegal or damaged tyres.

“If in any doubt over the condition or legality of your tyre, we would recommend that motorists contact their local tyre professional expert advice.”

For further informaiton on tyre safety, please visit www.tyresafe.org