For this year\u2019s annual October-long Tyre Safety Month, TyreSafe is asking Britain\u2019s motorists\u00a0What\u2019s Stopping You?<\/p>\n
According to TyreSafe, an estimated one-in-five drivers have never checked the tread on their tyres, rising to one-in-three among young drivers. Checking and maintaining tyres not only reduces the risk of a crash, but also reduces the cost of driving as underinflated tyres will wear quicker and cause the vehicle to use more fuel.<\/p>\n
The TyreSafe campaign incorporates the acronym \u201cA.C.T. \u2013 Air pressure, Condition, Tread\u201d to imprint the three elements of basic tyre safety checks on the driver.<\/p>\n
Air Pressure<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 correct tyre pressures are shown on a sticker in your car\u2019s door shut, filler cap or in the owner\u2019s manual. Use an accurate pressure gauge to ensure they are right for the load as part of your pre-journey planning.<\/p>\n Condition\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 if stones or other objects caught between grooves in the tread can be removed without damaging the tyre, drivers are advised to do so. Bulges, cracks, cuts and embedded objects are cause for concern and need to be checked by a professional.<\/p>\n Tread<\/strong> \u2013 if you don\u2019t have access to an accurate tread depth gauge, a 20p coin can be used to see if your tyres\u2019 tread depths are approaching the 1.6mm minimum limit. Insert the 20p at several points across and around each tyre. If you can see the coin\u2019s outer rim at any point the tyre may be illegal and you should seek advice from a professional.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile we campaign year-round to raise awareness of tyre safety, this October\u2019s Tyre Safety Month campaign is particularly powerful in how is depicts the real risks and high stakes of not regularly checking your tyres,\u201d said Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe Chair, said. \u201cThere really is no excuse for ignoring tyre safety – you\u2019ll help keep yourself, your passengers and other road users safe, particularly as the winter months and more challenging driving conditions approach. Tyre safety checks \u2013 what\u2019s stopping you?\u201d<\/p>\n