How safe are your tyres?

As tyre safety month approaches, Ring Automotive is advising motorists to carry out a tyre safety check, to ensure they are fully prepared for the winter ahead. Winter driving requires extra care and preparation to avoid accidents and breakdowns.

Digital Tyre Gauge

Snow and ice pose an obvious risk to drivers as tyres have less grip and most drivers will change their driving style to accommodate this. However, many motorists don’t realise that cold damp roads alone considerably affects tyre performance and therefore road handling.

To ensure optimum tyre performance motorists should check for the correct tyre pressure, adequate tread depth and the general condition of the tyres.

Recent statistics show that around six percent of all fatal accidents are due to incorrect tyre pressure.

Under inflated tyres can overheat, as pressure from the weight of the vehicle and occupants is forced down the side walls of the tyres. The under inflated tyres become increasingly stressed as heat builds up, this can lead to dangerous blow outs.

Air Compressor

Under or over inflated tyres can also affect handling, leading the car to react in an unpredictable way, especially in bad weather conditions.

Motorists can find the correct tyre pressure for their vehicle by referring to the handbook or by a sticker, usually located in the drivers door or fuel flap. Tyre pressure should be checked when cold, therefore Ring Automotive recommends checking them at home before a journey.

Motorists are also advised to ensure their tyres have adequate tread depth to cope with water and snow on the roads. The AA recommends a tyre tread depth of 3mm and at the least 2mm for winter driving. The legal limit is 1.6mm across 75% of the tyre. However, a car travelling at 50mph with a tread of 1.6mm needs 8 metres more to stop than a car with a tread depth of 3mm, in wet conditions this difference would be even greater. Tyres with less than 3mm of tread are also more susceptible to aquaplaning.

Finally motorists are advised to check for any obvious damage to tyres such as cuts or bulges in the wall or the tyre. Bulges mean there is damage to the internal structure of the tyre and the tyre will need to be replaced. A tyre specialist should be consulted about any cuts.

Having a compressor or tyre gauge in the car is the best way to ensure regular checking of tyres before driving.

To help motorists stay safer on the roads this winter, Ring Automotive, have a range of tyre gauges and air compressors. The 4 digital tyre gauges enable motorist to accurately check their tyre and tread depth at their convenience, before beginning a journey and are an invaluable accessory to keep in the glove box.

A comprehensive range of 5 uniquely designed air compressors enable motorists to maintain optimum pressure. Prices start from £8.99 for tyre gauges and £12.99 for air compressors.

Find out more at www.ringautomotive.co.uk