IAM Issues "Check Your Tyres" Warning
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has advised motorists planning a long journey to take a thorough look at their tyres. According to the IAM, 10 per cent of cars on UK roads have at least one tyre with an illegal tread depth, which means reduced braking effectiveness, increased risk of collision and the risk of a fine and points on the driver's licence.
Stopping distances double on wet roads and the risk of a skid can be trebled if the tread depth is only at the legal minimum of 1.6 mm – and this risk increases seven-fold when the tread depth is less than 0.5 mm, says the IAM, adding: "if you have to brake hard on one of the 10 per cent of road surfaces with below average skid resistance, the skid risk rises by around 50 per cent."