IAM Issues "Check Your Tyres" Warning

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has advised motorists planning a long journey to take a thorough look at their tyres. According to the IAM, 10 per cent of cars on UK roads have at least one tyre with an illegal tread depth, which means reduced braking effectiveness, increased risk of collision and the risk of a fine and points on the driver's licence.

Stopping distances double on wet roads and the risk of a skid can be trebled if the tread depth is only at the legal minimum of 1.6 mm – and this risk increases seven-fold when the tread depth is less than 0.5 mm, says the IAM, adding: "if you have to brake hard on one of the 10 per cent of road surfaces with below average skid resistance, the skid risk rises by around 50 per cent."

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has advised motorists planning a long journey to take a thorough look at their tyres. According to the IAM, 10 per cent of cars on UK roads have at least one tyre with an illegal tread depth, which means reduced braking effectiveness, increased risk of collision and the risk of a fine and points on the driver’s licence.

Stopping distances double on wet roads and the risk of a skid can be trebled if the tread depth is only at the legal minimum of 1.6 mm – and this risk increases seven-fold when the tread depth is less than 0.5 mm, says the IAM, adding: “if you have to brake hard on one of the 10 per cent of road surfaces with below average skid resistance, the skid risk rises by around 50 per cent.”

Bearing these figures in mind, the IAM recommends that motorists should consider changing tyres when the tread depth reaches 3 mm “and always replace them once the tread is down to 2 mm. It also recommends regular visual inspection and checking of the tyre pressure, citing a survey carried out by the Institute, which showed that only 18 per cent of men and four per cent of women check their pressures weekly.

When replacing two worn tyres, the IAM says that these should be fitted to the same axle; preferably the rear axle.

The IAM’s Head of Technical Advice, Tim Shallcross, said: “As tyres have only the area of the sole of your shoe in touch with the road at ant one time, it’s a safety ‘no-brainer’ to keep them in top condition. Extra care is needed in autumn, when sudden, heavy showers can profoundly affect tyre performance.”