DAMAGE: Potholes a key cause of damage
Sidewall damage to tyres is costing UK drivers more than £439million every year, research by Kwik Fit has revealed.
One in five car drivers have had to replace a tyre in the last year due to sidewall damage, as opposed to tread wear – an affliction largely caused by potholes.
In the last two years 53% of motorists claim their tyres or wheels have suffered damage, with 22% insisting potholes were the cause.
A further 11% experienced damage after hitting debris on the road.
One in ten (10%) admit to having hit a kerb while parking, with 9% hitting a kerb while driving.
Despite the number of drivers having experienced damage, only 35% check their tyres’ sidewalls every month.
Roger Griggs, Communications Director at Kwik Fit, said: “We recommend that drivers check their tyres every week and certainly before making a long journey.
“Drivers should check pressure, tread and sidewalls.
“These factors are all interlinked – the wrong pressure will lead to uneven tread wear and can damage the sidewalls.
“As a result they will shorten the life of a tyre, leading to unnecessary cost, but more importantly reducing the tyre’s roadholding performance.”
