Motoring experts urge drivers to do THIS to avoid accidents

Drivers urged to perform overlooked tyre maintenance after a surge in accidents 

·       29% rise in accidents due to tyre defects in 2023 

·       Motoring experts’ advice for checking their tyres  

Often an overlooked vehicle issue, defective tyres account for a high number of injuries and fatalities in the UK every year. As well as the danger tyres can pose, drivers could also be at risk of fines and license points if their tyres are not safe enough to drive with.  

New research has revealed that there has been a 29% rise in KSI casualties due to tyre defects compared to 2022 (from 147 to 190), reaching the highest number since 2018.¹ 

To help drivers protect themselves against tyre-related incidents and potentially save thousands on car repairs, Simon Waye, Technical Engineer at ATS Euromaster, has explained the most common car tyre mistakes drivers make and the damage they can cause to your vehicle if ignored.   

5 essential tips for looking after your tyres:   

1.     Adapt tyres to winter weather: There is a common misconception that the UK is too warm for winter tyres to be effective. In fact, winter tyres are effective at any temperature below 7 degrees Celsius. Tyres with very low tread wear can struggle to grip the road in harsh weather, making situations like aquaplaning more likely. You may also want to consider getting all-season tyres, which provide excellent gripping and do not need to be changed out as frequently as winter tyres.  

2.     Regularly check tyre pressure: Your vehicle’s tyre pressure should be checked once every couple of weeks. If you don’t check your tyres regularly, they can become deflated, resulting in uneven contact with the road. If your tyres are underinflated, it can lead to tyre failure or a loss of control, with common dangers including blown tyres, punctures, and over or understeering. Over-inflated tyres can also pose a risk to your vehicle and passengers. If there is too much air in your tyres, they will become harder than normal and will have less contact area with the road. This can result in an increase in braking distance, as well as your tyres wearing down more easily. This means you may end up having to replace your tyres sooner than necessary.  

3.     Check tread depth: In addition to the safety risks, ignoring the condition of your tyres for too long can land you a fine of £2,500 per tyre. So, if all four of your tyre’s treads are below the legal limit, you risk a fine of £10,000 and could potentially lose your license. To measure your tread depth, you can visually look at the wear indicators on the tyre or use a tyre tread depth gauge.  

4.    Always carry a spare tyre and know how to change it: A spare tyre can be a nuisance and add extra weight to your vehicle, but it’s nonetheless important to always carry one in case of an emergency. In order to change a tyre safely, you need to be on hard, level ground and have clear surroundings. You then want to place the chocks down first to stop the car from rolling, before loosening the wheel nuts. Once you have jacked the car off the ground, remove the nuts and wheel and fit the new tyre. Position the new tyre into the empty hub, then replace the nuts. Always make sure to tighten the nuts in a clockwise direction until they can hold the weight of the car. Secure them in place before lowering the vehicle fully.   

5.    Keep an eye on wear and tear: Always check each tyre thoroughly every few weeks to make sure it’s in good working order. Remember, any damage could be exacerbated if ignored. ‘Wear and tear’ does not just refer to tyre wear and deflation; you should also look out for bulges, cracks, cuts, sidewall abrasions, exposed cords, or embedded objects such as nails and screws. 

To ensure your safety on the road, book a vehicle service at ATS