tyre safety

TyreSafe, the UK’s tyre safety organisation, is calling on drivers to "take charge" of their safety by conducting vital tyre checks while waiting for their batteries to charge. This crucial period, often filled with scrolling on phones, grabbing a sandwich, or dozing in the front seat, presents an opportunity that could be life-saving if used to ensure tyre safety. The A.C.T acronym—Air, Condition, Tread—provides simple yet effective guidance on checks that can be done without specialist equipment. By taking just a few minutes to inspect their tyres, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and breakdowns. 

TyreSafe, the UK’s leading advocate for tyre safety, is launching a new campaign targeting driving and car maintenance habits. Dubbed #DriveJanuary as a play on the health and wellbeing #DryJanuary campaign, TyreSafe wants drivers to make “a realistic commitment to road safety” part of their New Year’s resolutions, with monthly tyre checks at its core. The organisation frames tyre safety as a monthly routine in a bid to contribute to a safer road environment, creating lasting behavioural change among drivers. The TyreSafe 2023 Tread Depth Survey reveals that almost half the UK cars on the road have low or illegal tread.

In the era of cost-conscious decisions among vehicle owners, you can see why some are drawn to second-hand tyres. However, while such products might short-term financial relief, these products require a critical investigation into their reliability. Beyond the price tag, it's essential for consumers to delve into aspects of safety, performance, and overall value that used tyres present. While the initial savings may be attractive, understanding the broader implications, including the durability, potential hidden costs, and safety compromises associated with minor repairs, is crucial for anyone considering this option.

TyreSafe supported Sophie Lyden from Westgate Tyres at the Safe Street event on 22 October. Held at the Morecambe FC ground, the event was the result of a collaboration between several road safety stakeholders. It was organised by FreshDriversUK and Racing4RoadSafety, with contributions from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (FRS), Lancashire Police, Lancashire County Council Road Safety Team, National Highways, tyre wholesaler Bond International, Westcotec and more, as well as local independent tyre retailer Westgate Tyres. All participants demonstrated their commitment to enhancing road safety within the community.

Tyre safety has been discussed in detail in two episodes of the Driving for Better Business podcast. The chair of road safety organisation TyreSafe, Stuart Lovatt, provided tyre safety insights for all drivers, focusing on company cars and grey fleet. Among other topics, he discussed tyres for electric vehicles, issues to be aware of when fitting part-worn tyres and October’s Tyre Safety Month. Tips focus on mitigating risk, saving money and staying safe when driving for work. Both episodes are embedded below.

With the approach of more treacherous driving conditions in autumn and winter, tyre manufacturer Bridgestone is urging motorists to check the condition of their tyres. The tyre giant said the “deflating” findings of its latest survey of 2,000 UK drivers reveal so many drivers are currently taking by failing to check the condition of their tyres regularly. The survey suggests that many drivers simply do not understand tyres’ impact on the safety of their car.

Tyres have become a hugely important safety feature of modern cars, helping to protect cars and their drivers from the dangers of the road. Since the first rubber tyre was developed by Robert William Thompson in 1845, they’ve changed a lot. Novel stages in the production process, as well as shape and design innovations and new regulations, have helped make tyres safer for everyone.

With the school holidays approaching and the Great British public preparing for a summer getaway, Bridgestone is making a tyre safety plea to anyone considering a UK staycation. The road safety experts are issuing some simple advice as thousands of caravans and camper vans and are expected to be seen again on roads, many of which may well have been inactive over the past few months. Bridgestone believes that vehicles such as caravans or trailer tents should be thoroughly inspected prior to re-use during a Great British Getaway, with a spike in usage expected in the coming weeks.

Cars, vans and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) legally require a minimum depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference. Drivers caught with illegal tyres risk being hit with a £2,500 fine and three penalty points per tyre. So, do you know how to check your tyres or are you out of your depth?