MOTORISTS SLIP UP ON TYRE SAFETY
To coincide with Tyre Safety month Halfords Autocentres has released fresh figures that reveal nearly 8 million motorists are placing their own safety and that of other road users at risk by not checking or replacing worn car tyres.
The leading independent garage network analysed its own MOT and Service data in order to identify that 8.5% of cars visiting its centres for the annual roadworthiness check or a service had at least one tyre that was dangerous -the equivalent of 2.7 million cars on UK roads.
A further 16.3 % (equivalent to 5.2 million cars) had at least one tyre with only 2-3mm of tread remaining – below 3mm being the point at which tyre performance begins to degrade significantly.
Commenting on the findings, Stefan Warhaftig said: “A new car tyre begins life with around 8mm of tread, so to arrive for an MOT with a tyre at or below the legal minimum of 1.6mm means weeks or months of neglect have taken place.
“The difference between 1.6mm and 3mm of tread is an extra 8 metres of stopping distance in wet conditions and the maximum fine for driving on an illegal tyre is £2,500 – something worth considering when you’re next washing the car or filling up with fuel and could take the time to carry out a quick check.”
Halfords Autocentres figures also reveal that some regions had far higher incidences of dangerous or severely worn tyres than others - with 32% of drivers from Hampshire placing themselves at risk, closely followed by 29% of motorists in Scotland.
In South Wales, while tyres were generally better than average with 76% being OK, they have one of the highest proportions of illegal tyres (12%). The best area for tyre safety in the UK is the East Midlands where 80% of tyres passed an inspection without fault.
Stefan added: “The MOT is an annual check that determines your car’s condition at that particular moment in time and is no substitute for regular checks by the owner.
“Tyres are your car’s only point of contact with the road. So, as it is Tyre Safety Month we’re highlighting our FREE Tyre Check service – which includes a pressure check plus a tread depth, wear and damage inspection to give even the busiest drivers peace of mind.”
To find your nearest Halfords Autocentre and book a Free Tyre Check visit www.halfordsautocentres.com
ENDS
Media contacts:
Stuart Humphreys, Automotive PR Manager, T: 01527 513410, M: 07738 751930, E: stuart.humphreys@halfords.co.uk
About Halfords Autocentres
Halfords Autocentres is a leading independent garage network with a heritage spanning more than three decades.
Highly trained technicians at over 300 Halfords Autocentres carry out over 1 million jobs a year - including MOTs, car servicing and repairs as well as tyre sales and fitting - for over 850,000 customers a year, with more than 9 out of 10 of them being happy to recommend us to their friends.
Being independent means that we deliver dealership quality work at more affordable prices for any make or model of car. We offer a price match guarantee and a minimum guarantee of 12 months or 12,000 miles on work carried out (See website for terms and conditions).