Dancing On Ice?

To kick off the Annual Tyre Safety Week, the Northern Ireland region of the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) is promising a dramatic demonstration of the importance of fitting the right tyre when the weather turns wintry.

The demonstration will be held on Tuesday 28 August on the ice rink at the Odyssey in Belfast, beginning at noon, where two experienced motorsports drivers will drive cars – identical apart from the tyres – on the slippery surface.

One test will see the first car fitted with premium summer tyres, while the second will be shod with winter tyres for greater grip and control. In another demonstration, both cars will have the same brand of summer tyres fitted, but the tread depths will be very different; one high, one low.

NTDA Director Richard Edy said: “It may seem strange to be thinking about winter tyres in August, but in a few months, temperatures will be falling and that’s when winter tyres come into their own – they are not just for snowy conditions but provide extra grip when the temperature is below 7ºC. The prudent motorist will make sure his car is prepared for the bad weather before it arrives.”

As well as the Press, members of the Police and the Fire Service have been invited to attend the demonstration. During Tyre Safety Week, members of the public are urged to take advantage of the free tyre safety checks offered by NTDA members at their depots.