Check your tyres are winter ready
Motorists across North Wales are being urged to check their tyres are legal, roadworthy and ready for the challenging winter months, as colder temperatures, wet roads and darker evenings increase the importance of vehicle safety.
October is National Tyre Safety Month – organised by charity TyreSafe, the annual campaign encourages road users to regularly check their tyres on a regular basis.
Although the campaign raises awareness through education, anyone found to be driving with illegal tyres could face three penalty points on their licence, and a potential fine of up to £2,500 per tyre.
With the cost of living continuing to put pressure on household budgets, North Wales Police recognises that many motorists are facing difficult financial decisions. However, drivers are being reminded that tyre safety is not an area where it is safe to cut corners.
Tyres are the only part of a vehicle in direct contact with the road. Worn, damaged or incorrectly inflated tyres can reduce grip, increase stopping distances and make it more difficult to maintain control, particularly in wet, icy or slippery conditions.
Motorists are encouraged to take a few minutes to carry out some simple checks before setting off:
- Check tread depth: Ideally tyres should be checked once a month and before any long journeys. This should include checking the air pressure, overall condition and tread depth which is at least 1.6mm. The best way to find this is by looking at the tread depth indicator, in the grooves of the tyre which is set at 1.6mm. If the tread becomes level with this it is time to change the tyre
- Look for damage: Check for cuts, cracks, bulges or any other visible signs of damage. Any weakness to the tyres could mean a higher risk of a blow out at higher speeds, and a serious loss of control
- Check all four tyres: Don’t forget the tyres at the rear of the vehicle, which can be just as important for maintaining stability and control
Sergeant Medwyn Williams of the North Wales Police Roads Crime Unit said: “We appreciate that the rising cost of living is putting many people under considerable financial pressure, and replacing tyres can be an unwelcome expense. However, tyres are fundamental to the safety of your vehicle, your passengers and everyone else using our roads.
“Winter brings additional challenges for motorists, with rain, standing water, frost and ice all increasing risks on our roads. Having tyres that are legal, properly inflated and in good condition can make a real difference.
“We are asking all motorists to take a few minutes to check their tyres before the winter weather sets in. If you are unsure about the condition of your tyres, seek advice from a reputable tyre specialist.
“Please do not wait until a tyre fails or until you are involved in a collision to take action. The cost of replacing a tyre may be difficult to manage, but the consequences of driving on unsafe tyres can be far greater.
“Safety must come first. A simple check today could help prevent a serious incident tomorrow.
He added: “It is essential that drivers are aware that it is their responsibility to ensure that the vehicle they are using is road legal before commencing a journey, therefore our regular road safety checks will continue as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping the roads safe.”
Anybody who may have information regarding vehicles that they believe are being driven whilst in a dangerous condition can report them to North Wales Police on 101, or alternatively via the live web chat service http://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/chat-support.aspx
Further information regarding Tyre Safety Month can be found on the website www.tyresafe.org