UK tyres: Millions defective at annual tests

According to data supplied by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, more than 2.2 million cars failed annual Ministry of Transport (MOT) test in 2013 because of the state of their tyres.

'NO EXCUSE'

Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, said: “It beggars belief that so many road users can fail their MOT because of unsafe or illegal tyres. Your safety on the road is totally dependent upon the condition of your tyres so it’s vital that you check these regularly throughout the year, let alone just before you take your MOT.

"Furthermore, they are also one of the easiest items on your car to check, so there really is no excuse for this amount of tyre related failures.”

Reinforcing the scale of the problem of dangerous and illegal tyres, recent figures released by the Department for Transport showed that more than 968 road casualties were caused in the UK in 2013 because of an accident involving illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres.

However, to help drivers understand the importance of making regular tyre safety checks and identifying what to look for, thousands of garages and tyre dealers across the UK are offering free tyre safety checks as part of October 2014's tyre safety month.

TYRE SAFETY CHECKS

Jackson said: “We are entering the most treacherous period of the year when the roads can become very wet and slippery so it’s essential that your tyres are in the best possible condition.

“Driving on dangerous or illegal tyres can leave you vulnerable to a number of hazards such as longer stopping distances, loss of grip or an increased risk of aquaplaning but these can all be minimised with appropriate safety checks.”

TyreSafe recommends that drivers carry out three key safety checks at least once a month:

1. Tyre pressures should be checked and must be in-line with automaker's recommended settings.
2. Tyre tread depths should also be examined and must be well above the legal minimum of 1.6mm.
3. The tyre should be given a thorough visual inspection to ensure it is free from cuts, lumps or bulges.