43% OF MOTORISTS FAIL TO CHECK THEIR VEHICLE TYRE PRESSURE

Venson urges drivers to check their tyres as latest National Highways report one in five vehicles break down due to tyre issues

www.venson.com

New research from Venson Automotive Solutions reports that 43% of motorists do not check their vehicle’s tyre pressure, 18% of which claim they carry out no vehicle maintenance checks whatsoever.^_[i]  The findings come as National Highways reveals more than 41,500 vehicles broke down on motorways and major A roads last year because of tyre issues, equating to over 20% of all breakdowns. ^_[ii]  Venson is calling upon motorists to conduct regular tyre checks for their own safety, as well as their passengers and other road users.   

“Vehicle safety should always be front of mind when owning and running a vehicle, but it’s easy to overlook how important regular tyre inspections are,” comments Alison Bell, Operations Director at Venson Automotive Solutions.

“Under-inflated or over-inflated tyres can adversely affect braking distances, steering, fuel efficiency and the lifetime of the tyre.  In addition, tyres with cuts, bulges or tears within the tyre tread, particularly those that cover more than 25mm or over 10% of the section width of the wheel, can also be dangerous. In addition to the safety risks, motorists stopped by police and found to be driving a vehicle with tyre issues can face fines of £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre.”

In addition to tyre pressure and damage, motorists should check for excessively worn tyres, as 57% of those surveyed did not check tyre tread depth. A popular means for testing tyre tread depth is using a 20p coin. Insert the 20p into the tread grooves on the tyre. If the outer band on the coin can’t be seen, the tyres are above the legal limit. However, if the band of the 20p coin is visible, the tyres could be unsafe and it is recommended a professional inspection by a mechanic is undertaken.

Alison Bell concludes, “We urge motorists to conduct regular tyre checks and follow a good routine. Not only will it make journeys safer and more pleasurable but it will also help to ensure against vehicle breakdowns due to poorly kept tyres.” 

VENSON’S TYRE MANAGEMENT TIPS

1. Implement regular tyre maintenance checks.
2. Motorists should carry out necessary checks to ensure tyres are fit for purpose and of a safe, legal standard.
3. Visit a tyre supplier and have them carry out a tyre health check.
4. Don’t forget tyre pressure checks at different times of year and according to vehicle loads.
5. Fit all season tyres to avoid the hassle and expense of storing and changing winter tyres.

Our whitepaper ‘Tyres: From F1 Motorsport to Fleet’ highlights the importance of tyre safety