RISK: This tyre left dealer ‘flabbergasted’
Careless drivers are putting lives in grave danger by failing to maintain and replace their tyres, TyreSafe have warned.
The caution follows a shocking image received by the organisation, from one independent tyre dealer who was left ‘flabbergasted’ by the state of one of their customers’ tyres.
Removed from a high-performance BMW 3-Series, the tyre was so worn that none of its tread pattern remained – making it virtually useless in the wet.
Furthermore, the wear was so great on one shoulder of the tyre that it had started to destroy the integrity of the tyre carcass, with potentially fatal high-speed consequences.
Stuart Jackson, Chairman of TyreSafe, said: “This particular tyre was an accident waiting to happen.
“Adequate tread depth is essential all year round, but particularly important just now when we are experiencing so much rain and difficult driving conditions.
“Checking your tyre tread depth is very simple and only takes a few minutes.
“It really is something that all drivers should do at least once a month to stay safe and legal.”
Current UK law requires car drivers to have at least 1.6mm of tread on their tyres across the central three quarters of the tyre around its entire circumference.
Those found to be in breach of this law can face fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre.
Indeed, in 2012 more than 170 drivers per week were successfully prosecuted in court for driving on defective tyres.
“Sadly, the bad weather shows no sign of subsiding at the moment so it’s particularly important that drivers ensure their tyres can cope in these terrible conditions,” added Mr Jackson.
“If you’re in any doubt then pop into your local tyre specialist who I’m sure would be delighted to check things for you.”
