Traffic – Tyre Safety

On this month’s Crimecall Garda Adrian Corcoran was in studio to offer advice in relation Tyre Safety.

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Tyre Safety

The tyres on your vehicle are the only part of your vehicle in contact with the road. Therefore, they play a key role in vehicle safety. Based on our analysis of road traffic collision reports we estimate that defective tyres could be a contributory factor in as many as one in ten fatal collisions annually, resulting in approximately 14 deaths each year.

Your safety, along with the safety of your passengers and other road users, could depend directly on the condition of your vehicles tyres.

Tyres must:

Be the right kind and size for your vehicle
Be properly inflated
Be free from defects
Have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm

Dangers of using sub-standard or incorrect tyres include:

Reduced road handling – you have less control of your vehicle
Increased braking distances – it could take up to twice the normal braking distance to stop
Aquaplaning – where your tyres lose grip on the road in wet conditions
Blow-outs – resulting in loss of control of the vehicle

By law, it is a driver’s responsibility to make sure that their vehicle meets legal requirements and is in a roadworthy condition at all times. Tyres should be checked to ensure there is a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. Anything less is illegal for use on a public road.

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(I will have a device in studio which is used to measure tread depth. It’s a simple device which can be purchased in any motor factors and costs €6/€7)

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Tyres also have a tread wear indicator block set into them at a depth of 1.6mm. You should check this block to ensure that this indicator is not at the same level as or lower than the tyre tread.

Tyre Maintenance

Correct inflation pressure is important, as the pressurised air inside your tyre has to support the weight of your vehicle and its load. Inflation pressure can also affect your vehicles fuel efficiency. Tyre pressures vary depending on the vehicle model and the load being carried.

We recommend that you check your tyres pressures regularly against the manufacturers specifications for your vehicle. You’ll find the inflation specifications in your vehicle owners handbook, inside the fuel filler cap or on the door sill. According to the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIS) 90% of premature or uneven tyre wear is due to under or over inflation.

The following illustrations demonstrate how the effects of correct and in correct pressure can be seen on your tread pattern.

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In addition to checking inflation the condition of the tyres should also be checked on a regular basis. If your vehicles tyres show signs of deterioration (wear and tear), you should remove them and replace them. Do not drive on a public road with sub-standard tyres on your vehicle. There are several tell-tale signs you should keep an eye out for:

Cracking of the side wall of the tyre
Distortion of the tyre tread
Deformation of the main body of the tyre
Loss of pressure despite regular pumping
Deep cuts
Bulges
Separated or perished rubber
Vibrations through the tyres when you drive

(I had examples of sub-standard tyres in studio)

Spare Wheel / Space Saver

The spare tyre should also be checked on a regular basis to ensure it is inflated to the correct pressure and that the tyre is in good condition. If you need to drive with a space-saver wheel it is important to note that they are designed for temporary use, to get you home or to a place of repair. Maximum speed with a space-saver wheel is restricted to 80kph. You should aim to get the original car tyre repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Penalties

If you drive with damaged or worn tyres, you are putting your own life and the life of others at risk. You also risk prosecution. There are over 50 different fixed charge penalty notices for various offences relating to tyres. They all carry a fine of €80 and 2 penalty points. If you are convicted of the offence of driving with dangerous tyres, you could be fined up to €5000, or receive a 3 month prison sentence, or both. You will also have 5 penalty points on your licence upon conviction.

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