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Tired tyres put drivers in danger
November 2, 2009

By Maryam Moshiri, Business reporter, BBC News writes:

Cash-strapped motorists are neglecting the safety of their vehicles, particularly their tyres, according to the AA.

The motoring organisation says there is evidence that increasing numbers are driving around on tyres that are so worn, they are illegal.

The latest figures show 34 deaths and 900 injuries were caused by tyre-related problems on Britain’s roads last year.

The AA says motorists are not taking tyre safety seriously enough. It believes that this attitude could end up making our roads unsafe.

Stewart Topp, named AA Patrol of the Year in April, admits he is worried about the situation.

In this current economic climate, people are neglecting their vehicles. If the car’s reliable, they just tend to leave it,” he said.

“It’s a safety issue. [Tyres are] the only things keeping you on the road so it’s important to get them checked and changed if necessary.

“A tyre that’s on its minimum [tread depth] limit of 1.6mm is 50% less efficient than a new tyre. You wouldn’t go out with a brake that’s 50% efficient, so why do it with tyres?”

Around 1,000 cars a week drive into Micheldever Tyre Services in Hampshire, where chief executive Paul Fox says he has seen the number of illegal tyres grow.

“In September 2007, we were taking off approximately 23% of front tyres that were down to an illegal tyre-tread depth.

“In 2008, it had risen to 55% and now, 12 months on – well through the recession – we’re seeing levels of about 65% of illegality.

One of Paul’s customers is Kathleen Blackman. She admits to leaving it late to get her four tyres changed.

“You’re conscious of the car but you think ‘leave it a bit longer’,” she said.

Consumer choice

“I can’t really afford it. There’s always something that comes up. Like the washing machine’s just broken, you have to replace that. So this month I just don’t know how I’m going to manage it.”

But some consumer groups argue people are being put off buying new tyres by over-inflated prices.

Matt Sanger from the What Car? buyer guide believes it is best to look around for the best deals.

“There is a danger of people being concerned about being ripped off,” he said.

“With the recession on it’s very easy to ignore the state of your tyres because you’re worried it’s going to cost you a lot of money.

“If you just go into the first garage you see and ask for a quote you may end up paying through the nose for a set of tyres or just one tyre.

“If you’d shopped around and done a bit more homework, you could have found the same tyres cheaper down the road.”

The advice is to check your tyres once a week if possible. You should make sure the tyre tread is in good condition and that the depth is at least 1.6mm throughout a continuous band in the centre three-quarters of the tread.

Tyre pressure should never be too high or too low and you should always make sure your wheels are not worn down.

If your car is fitted with illegal or defective tyres the penalties are steep.

You could be fined up to £2,500 per faulty tyre and get three points on your licence.

Tyres Trivia:
September 24, 2009