TyreSafe Reminds Caravanners to Carry Out Tyre Checks

With more than 2 million extra caravan holidays predicted in the UK this year, TyreSafe is reminding caravanners to make sure all of their tyres are safe for travel before taking to the road. Caravans left standing throughout the year can develop flatspots or suffer from exposure to UV rays which may lead to handling issues or premature failure. Additionally, tyre pressures should be checked not only on the caravan, but also on the towing vehicle and adjusted accordingly to take account of the extra load.

VisitBritain is predicting a 20 per cent rise in British holidays this summer. Earlier this year The Caravan Club reported advance bookings up by 40 per cent on 2008, and the National Caravan Council predicts that nearly 14 million holidays will be taken in 2009 in touring caravans, motor caravans and caravan holiday homes.

“Drivers who set off on under-inflated tyres, greatly increase the risk of suffering from rapid tyre deflation and a potentially serious accident,” continues TyreSafe chairman Stuart Jackson. “By taking a few minutes to check the pressure and condition of tyres before going on holiday, caravanners are much more likely to have a safe and enjoyable journey.”

As well as checking the condition and pressure of tyres, caravan owners should also check the tread depth. Current UK law requires that both car and caravan tyres should have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread in a continuous band throughout the central three-quarters of the tread width, around the whole circumference of the tyre. Adequate tread depth is essential to safe driving in wet conditions. As the tyre tread wears down, it gradually loses the ability to evacuate water from the road surface, increasing stopping distances and heightening the risk of aquaplaning. Drivers who do not meet these legal requirements not only increase the risk of being involved in an accident, but can also incur fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per illegal tyre.