Tyre survey reveals ‘casual’ attitude

According to a UK-based vehicle hire website, 14.6 per cent of British motorists admit retaining the tyres on their cars until they fail the MoT or are flagged as illegal during vehicle servicing. The website, VanRental.co.uk, did not specify the size or makeup of the survey group, however founder Roland Head states the results “highlight the casual attitude taken by many motorists towards tyre safety.”

The survey found that a further 47.8 per cent of motorists drive their car’s tyres down to the 1.6mm legal limit before they replace them and only 37.7 per cent claimed they replaced tyres when tread depth reaches 3mm. Attitudes towards winter safety were equally relaxed: Only 6.8 per cent of those surveyed said they would definitely fit winter tyres this winter, while a further 21.8 per cent answered “maybe” to the winter tyre question. And when it comes to tyre pressure, 6.5 per cent of respondents said they “never” check tyre pressure, while 29 per cent admitted doing so less than once a month.

“Your tyres are the only thing that keeps you in control of your car, yet many motorists only pay attention to the condition of their tyres when the law forces them to,” commented Head.