Protyre News
'This is Bolton' on Tyre Safety
By Jason Simms
On Tuesday 23rd October, Thistlethwaite Tyre & Exhaust - Team Protyre centre manager William Zielinski (pictured left) dropped into 96.5 Bolton FM Radio station to talk tyre safety on the 'This is Bolton' show with Kevan Williams (pictured right).
The short conversation with Kevan highlighted the lack of knowledge in the UK regarding tyre safety and the worrying statistics that support it.
Over a third (34%) of drivers haven’t checked their tyre tread in over a year and have knowingly driven around with their tyre tread at potentially dangerous levels
The research – commissioned by Protyre and road safety charity TyreSafe - has found that over a third (34%) of motorists haven’t checked their tyre tread in over 6 months, and half of motorists only get the tyre tread checked at their MOT- every 12 months.
61% have no idea how often they should be putting air in their tyres. Shockingly, the average Brit checks the air pressure of their tyres every 5 months- it’s advisable to do it every two weeks.
61% of those surveyed had no idea what their tyre tread should be. The legal tyre tread depth for cars in the UK and Europe is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, according to law. The tread must meet this minimum requirement across its complete circumference. TyreSafe reports that 1 in 4 cars on the UK’s roads have a tyre that’s already illegal at the point of replacement, and 10 million motorists will drive on a dangerous and illegal tyre this year.
Checking your legal tyre tread depth is one of the most important checks you can make on your car. They are the main contact between you and the road and according to experts, should be checked every two weeks - at the least, every month. Yet new research to mark Tyre Safety Month, has revealed that for many Brits, this doesn’t seem to be a priority.
Worryingly, a third (33%) of those surveyed admitted that they have driven their vehicle knowing that their tyre tread was below the legal requirement.
Those under 35 are three times more likely to take this risk than those over 35 (68% vs 22%).
Having worn tyres could cost a driver a £2,500 fine and three penalty points. If all four tyres are worn below the legal limit, you could potentially lose your licence and face a £10,000 fine.
Air pressure in a tyre is another simple check that can be made at petrol stations up and down the country, yet Brits are failing to keep an eye on this and 61% have no idea how often they should be putting air in their tyres. Shockingly, the average motorist in Britain puts air in their tyres every 5 months. Tyre manufacturers and road safety organisations recommend drivers perform checks of vehicle tyres at least once a month.
Take a look at William’s interview below or visit the Bolton FM Facebook page.