News Published on : 25-Oct-2021 12:57:11

Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging motorists to make monthly checks on tyres to ensure tread depths are sufficient and pressures are correct. Correct tyre pressure is not only vital for your safety on the road it s also the best way to maximise fuel economy according to GEM chief executive Neil Worth. Regular tyre safety checks reduce the risk of an incident while on the roads. However an estimated one in five drivers never checks tyre tread - a startling number which rises to one in three among young drivers he says. Checking and maintaining tyres also reduces the cost of motoring as underinflated tyres will wear quicker and cause the vehicle to use more fuel. The question What s Stopping You? was the theme for this year s Tyre Safety Month which ran throughout October. This was designed to remind motorists of the benefits and importance of tyre checks whilst also carrying the message that as the only point of contact between the road and the vehicle it is tyres which are crucial for safe and effective braking and cornering. Inadequate tread or incorrect pressure mean the safety systems on your vehicle will not work as efficiently. That s why regular checks on tyre inflation and tread depth are so important. There are severe penalties if you use worn or defective tyres. Each bald or defective tyre carries a fine of up to £ 2 500 and three penalty points. Under-inflated tyres reduce your vehicle s ability to grip the road and also compromise handling. This can result in unpredictable vehicle behaviour and increases the risk of a tyre blowout where sudden rapid deflation occurs. Over-inflated tyres have a smaller contact area with the road leading to increased stopping distance and reduced grip. There s likely to be a lot more wear across the central part of the tyre leading to a shorter lifespan. You ideally need to check tyre tread depth and pressure monthly - and preferably weekly through the winter. GEM recommends a minimum tread depth of 3mm (the legal minimum is 1.6mm) as this will disperse much more water from the road and will minimise your risk of skidding and losing control.