Get behind Tyre Safety Month, says ATS Euromaster

ATS Euromaster is calling on all drivers to observe October's Tyre Safety Month. To promote the importance of keeping tyres in top condition, the nationwide tyre retailer is supporting TyreSafe's efforts and hopes other retailers will gather their free campaign materials. ATS Euromaster hopes the initiative will encourage drivers to get into the habit of checking tyre pressure once a month.

“We cannot stress how important it is for drivers to properly maintain their tyres and ensure they are in good condition,” commented Anita Ellis, online marketing manager at ATS Euromaster. “Effective tyre maintenance is crucial; it can be the difference between stopping a vehicle and causing or being involved in an accident.”

A report released by Safe Motorways in 2011 states that 164 UK road deaths were caused by underinflated car tyres. Tyres underinflated by 15 psi (1 bar) also have an increased rolling resistance that may increase fuel consumption by up to six per cent.

“Driving with under-inflated tyres can create extra flex in the rubber and increase resistance, which generates heat and causes blow-outs. Tyre manufacturers attribute 75 per cent of blow-outs to under inflation,” Ellis continued. “TyreSafe also found that more than half of all drivers were unable to correctly identify the legal tread depth and a baffling one in five drivers had never checked their tyres over.” 

Results of a TyreSafe survey describe 28.4 per cent of tyres as being ‘severely’ or ‘seriously’ underinflated. “There’s a real lack of awareness when it comes to looking after vehicle tyres. After all, the tyres are the only part of the vehicle that is in contact with the road surface; it’s paramount that they are in a condition to perform properly,” concluded Ellis.