With the onset of wintry weather, drivers are being urged to check their tyres are in a roadworthy condition.
Whether it’s snow, wintry showers or persistent rain, TyreSafe says adequate tread depth is the ‘primary safety requirement’ for all vehicles on the roads.
That’s because the tyre’s tread clears water from the road surface to keep a vehicle in contact with the road – and provides at least some grip on snow and ice.
The lower the tread depth, the lower that grip might be, especially as the tyre approaches the minimum legal limit of 1.6mm.
TyreSafe adds driving with air pressures below the recommended settings can also significantly affect a tyre’s ability to grip the road.
Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe chairman, said: “Tyres are put to their ultimate test during winter and more than ever we depend on them to stay safe while driving.
“Regardless or whatever technological systems are fitted to the vehicle, it is only the tyres which are in contact with the road and provide the grip to turn braking, acceleration and steering adjustments into a change in speed or direction.
“If tyres are unroadworthy, the best driver in the world will be unable to stay in control of the vehicle in wintery conditions.
“No matter which type of tyre your vehicle is equipped with, during winter it’s essential you check they are all in good condition and you adjust your driving to the conditions.”
Comment on this story