Check tyre tread to improve road safety

After one of the wettest summers on record, drivers are reminded to check their tyre tread depth to stay safe on the roads this winter. Research has shown that accident rates tend to increase at the onset of winter, as many motorists continue to drive their cars on tyres with low or illegal tread depths. When the rainfall increases they often find themselves in a situation where the tyres have insufficient tread depth to disperse the water from the road surface properly. This will then lead to loss of grip and increased stopping distances. The unfortunate end result is a collision that could have been easily avoided. When driving in wet weather, the tread pattern of the tyre helps to evacuate water from the contact patch. As the tread wears down, the tyre gradually loses the ability to remove all of the water from the road surface, increasing the risk of aquaplaning. Tread depth also has a significant effect on braking. Tyre performance tests have shown that a vehicle braking in the wet with low tread will require a much longer stopping distance. A recent UK survey conducted on behalf of TyreSafe revealed that only 30% of motorists are aware of the minimum legal tyre tread depth for a passenger car. Current tread depth legislation requires that car tyres must have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread in a continuous band throughout the central three-quarters of the tread width and over the whole circumference of the tyre. Motorists found to be driving on illegal tyres face penalty points and significant fine per tyre.