Time for a change?

As the winter nights draw in and the country gets ready to go back to GMT, TyreSafe is reminding drivers that it's not just their clocks that may need changing. Now is also the ideal time to check if their tyres are legal and safe enough to carry them through the winter months when road conditions become more treacherous and accident levels typically increase.

October is traditionally the wettest month of the year, which is why it is chosen as TyreSafe’s tyre safety month and, as part of this initiative, hundreds of garages and tyre retailers across the country are offering complimentary, no-obligation tyre safety checks.

“The clocks going back this weekend are a timely reminder to drivers that winter is well and truly on its way and with it, the need for extra care and attention on the road,” comments Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. “The cold and damp conditions mean that roads can easily become slippery and dangerous so it’s essential that a car’s tyres are in the best possible state to cope with this.”

Drivers heeding TyreSafe’s warning are advised to check three key items to maximise their safety on the road. Pressures should be checked to ensure they are inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended levels. The condition of tyres should be inspected to ensure they are free from cuts, lumps or bulges. Finally, tread depth should be checked to ensure it is well above the legal minimum of 1.6mm around the entire circumference of the tyre.

If the safety benefits of adequate tread aren’t enough to convince drivers to check their tyres, they should also bear in mind the possible punitive implications. Drivers found to be driving on illegal tyres face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points on their licence for each illegal tyre.

“Adequate tread depth is particularly important during the winter as it is essential for safety in the wet,” adds Jackson. “However, a simple way to check this is by taking our 20p pledge which can be found on our Facebook page. It’s quick, it’s simple and it might just save your life.”

Drivers can find a host of advice, information and ‘how-to’ guides on TyreSafe’s website, www.tyresafe.org.