GEARBOX SPECIALISTS

SPECIALIST REPAIRS FOR AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL GEARBOXES

How Low Do You Let Your Tyres Go?

New research suggests that austerity measures don’t just apply to benefits and taxes, the impact of the harder financial climate is also having an impact on motoring, with apparently millions of motorists leaving their tyres to be worn well below the legal limit before getting them replaced.

The information was gathered by Tyresafe and Highways England, who looked at more than 100,000 tyres that came off cars who were having new ones fitted. 27% of those replaced were already below the recommended tread depth of 1.6mm, effectively making them illegal. A spokesman for Tyresafe said that this isn’t all necessarily conscious, as many people just don’t realise how low their tyres are, or are unaware of the legal tread depth limit. He calls for better education about the dangers of driving on illegal tyres.

 

We strongly recommend changing your tyres before they drop below the legal limit. Research has shown that any tyre under 3mm greatly reduces your stopping power and grip levels in the wet, and with England’s ever changing climate it simply isn’t worth the risk. The Police also discourage you from taking the risk by fining anyone found to be driving on illegal tyres £2500 per tyre, and giving them three points for each one.

 

SOURCE: PGTIMES