TyreSafe releases ‘TyreFlix films’ to help drivers ensure they are Ready for ACTion

TyreSafe’s Tyre Safety Month 2020 campaign is themed on movies. Its latest cinematic pastiche is designed to remind drivers to check their tyre tread regularly. The advice is communicated via the ‘TyreFlix production,’ Judge Tread. The organisation’s annual October campaign focuses on encouraging drivers to ensure their tyres are Ready for ACTion by checking Air pressure, Condition and Tread. Watch the video, and other campaign content, below, or on the TyreSafe YouTube channel.

Stuart Jackson, chair of TyreSafe said: “Checking your tread takes moments but can save lives. The tread clears water from in-between the tyre and the road surface in the wet, ensuring the vehicle remains in contact with the road. If the tread can’t clear the water, no matter what the driver tries to do to adjust the direction or braking, the vehicle will not be responsive, essentially making it out of control.

“Take the 20 pence test at least once a month and before long journeys to avoid the potential to be judged and ensure your tyres are ready for ACTion.”

Over a quarter of replaced tyres have illegal tread depth

A TyreSafe survey conducted in partnership with Highways England across the country shows that 27 of tyres already had illegal tread depth at the point of replacement. The organisation says that there are therefore potentially 10 million vehicle owners vulnerable to a £2,500 fine and three penalty points on their licence.

Another major concern raised by the survey was more than 70 per cent were below 2mm when replaced. While 1.6mm is the minimum legal requirement, 2mm should be a call to action for owners as there is just 0.4mm left (which is half the thickness of a bank card) before they become illegal. One-in-five drivers admitted they have never checked their tyres’ tread depth.

TyreSafe adds that checking a tyre’s tread depth can be achieved without a tread depth gauge, by using a 20p piece as a guide. The border of a 20p is 2.6mm, so when inserted into a tyre’s grooves, owners can easily assess if their tyre is close to the limit by checking if that border remains visible. If they can see it at various points across the tyre’s circumference, then they should have the tread depth checked by a professional.

Done in 60 Seconds

Additional TyreFlix videos include Done in 60 Seconds, which reminds drivers a simple 60-second check of their vehicle’s tyres can reduce the risk of an incident on the roads.

On average, 159 people are reported killed or are seriously injured each year because of incidents caused by tyre-related defects, according to Department for Transport figures. This compares to 144 due to driver distraction from mobile phone use. Many of the tyre-related incidents could be avoided if drivers regularly checked their tyres – at least once a month and before long journeys.

Done in 60 Seconds illustrates how to look for any changes to the surface of the tyre, including cracking or embedded objects. Lumps and bumps could indicate internal damage and if they are found, motorists are advised to seek urgent professional advice.

Underinflation warning

With more than 50 per cent of tyres driven below the vehicle manufacturers’ recommendation, TyreSafe is urging British drivers to get into the habit of carrying out regular pressure checks too. It is highlighting the message with an animation called The Good, The Bad and The Underinflated.

TyreSafe explains that correct air pressure is essential to ensure safety on the road. If the tyres are under- or over- inflated they have less contact than when they’re properly inflated and can cause handling problems while driving. Incorrect air pressure will also add to the vehicle’s running costs and reduce tyre life. TyreSafe’s research, which aggregates studies by the DfT, DVSA, Michelin, The AA, and more, shows up to £1 billion could be being wasted by UK motorists in unnecessary fuel bills purely because of underinflated tyres.

Jackson adds: “Underinflation is arguably the most common tyre defect. That’s frustrating as it’s in everybody’s interest to ensure pressure is set to the right level. Not only are the risks of an incident reduced, owners also reduce motoring costs. As we’re all watching our spending at the moment, it makes sense to ensure tyre pressures are right for the vehicle and its load.”