Car Tyre Safety
As the only point of contact between a vehicle and the road, tyres play a critical role in safety and performance. Yet, they are often overlooked, leading not only to increased costs but also significant safety risks. Below are some essential tyre-related statistics and tips every driver should know:
The Cost of Unsafe Tyres
- Driving on unsafe tyres can result in severe penalties. You could receive up to three penalty points on your driving license for each unsafe tyre and face fines of up to £2,500 per tyre.
- Vehicles with tyres that are 6 PSI below the recommended pressure use 3% more fuel—a cost that adds up significantly over time. Alarmingly, 56.8% of vehicles in the US are running on tyres at least 4 PSI below the recommended level.
Safety Risks
- There is an average of 1,075 casualties annually in the US due to accidents caused by defective tyres. Regular tyre checks can prevent these tragedies.
- Essential checks include:
- Maintaining the correct tyre pressure.
- Inspecting for signs of damage.
- Ensuring tread depth is above the legal minimum of 1.6mm.
MOT Failures
- Tyres are one of the most common reasons for MOT failures, with around 2.2 million failures annually attributed to tyre issues. Regular checks and replacing worn tyres with recommended and tested brands can reduce these failures.
When Are Tyres Unsafe?
- A tyre is considered unsafe when it is 20% below the recommended pressure, making it not only risky to drive but also more expensive to operate.
- Always check your tyres:
- Monthly.
- Before long journeys.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your tyres in good condition is essential—not just for the health of your car, but also for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Regular checks and timely replacements will ensure that your tyres remain safe, efficient, and compliant with legal standards.