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Tyres form the only contact between your vehicle and the road surface, and are therefore an extremely critical element in road safety. To that end, Michelin is supporting the Road Safety Authority in its drive to raise awareness of the dangers of defective tyres. A recently published study has revealed that tyre issues were the largest single 'vehicle factor' in road fatalities between 2008 and 2012. Michelin has been gathering data at tyre centres in Ireland and the UK since 2007 as part of its 'Fill-Up-With-Air' programme, and the results make for worrying reading. 57% of cars checked had underinflated tyres, of which 33% were classed as running 'dangerously' or 'very dangerously' underinflated tyres (8psi and 14psi below manufacturer's recommendations respectively). 5% of those checked had punctures evident, and 1% had tyres that were worn beyond the 1.6mm legal minimum tread depth.
Worn and underinflated tyres cause many negative side effects, including increased braking distances, reduced grip, poor handling characteristics and increased susceptibility to punctures and blow-outs. Rolling resistance also goes up, harming fuel economy and reducing tyre life. It is therefore essential to check tyre condition and pressures regularly, and with the multitude of information and advice available from tyre centres and other sources, there really is no excuse for foregoing tyre maintenance. It may save your life...