This week is Road Safety Week with yesterday (Wednesday) marking Tyre Safety Day. It’s an opportune time to reflect on the fact that defective tyres are linked to 14 road deaths each year. They really are of critical importance to safety on the roads.
It’s a good time too to check the condition of your own tyres, especially before the winter weather really kicks in. Although the checks are simple to carry out, if you’re not confident, just call into any ITIA tyre dealer around the country who will check your tyres for free.
Worn tyres easily lose grip, particularly in wet or icy conditions and can cause a vehicle to skid. The minimum tread depth in Ireland is 1.6mm although you really should think about replacing tyres when they reach 3mm, as performance falls off greatly below this point. A new tyre normally comes with about 8mm of tread.
While checking the tread depths, inspect the tyre carefully for any cuts, bruises or bulges, particularly in the sidewall. Any damage found should be inspected by an expert to see if the tyre needs to be replaced. Check the tyres’ inflation pressures as an incorrectly inflated tyre can alter the car’s handling characteristics and will wear much more quickly. Don’t forget to check your spare tyre too.
While the safety of yourself, your passengers are other users is the most important reason for carrying out these checks regularly, remember that if found driving with defective tyres, you can be liable for up to four penalty points and a fine of up to €120.
It’s not worth the risk.
