I know what you're thinking: well of course the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA) WOULD say that we all need to change our tyres more often, that's how they make money.
Yes, fair point, but apparently we as a nation of drivers spend far too much time worrying about water charges and the hurling replay and not half enough thinking about our tyres and what kind of shape they're in. It's a serious safety issue and the ITIA says that we're just not changing our tyres often enough.
The ITIA survey of over 600 tyres on cars that came into tyre outlets last month showed 27% of them to be below the legal tread depth limit of 1.6mm, with almost one in five having only 1mm of tread or less. The ITIA recommends that motorists change their tyres when the tread depth reaches 3mm, but only 40% of tyres assessed were found to be compliant with this recommendation.
Next week, as part of road safety week, the ITIA is inviting motorists to have their tyres checked to make sure that their wear and tear is within limits and that their pressures are up to snuff. Next Thursday, October 9th, is going to be National Tyre Safety Day and the Gardaí will be concentrating on tyre tread depth and condition at any checkpoints and halts they carry out.
"Worn tyres can cost lives. A simple five-minute visit to a local ITIA tyre outlet this week is all it takes to ensure your tyres are fit for purpose in advance of the Garda drive," continues Farrell.
Commenting on tyre safety Mr. Michael Rowland, Director Road Safety, Driver Education and Research said, "Tyres should be checked regularly for condition both in the tread and sidewall areas. There should be no cuts or gouges in the sidewall particularly where the carcass is exposed. Small stones should be removed from the tread as they can work their way through the rubber and cause a puncture. There should be no bulges in the sidewall as this indicates a weakness in the carcass."
Advising on the use of part worn tyres Mr. Rowland added, "There has been a noticeable increase recently in the number of outlets offering "part worn" tyres for sale. Use of these tyres can be risky as there is no history of how they have been used. There may be damage internally from hitting road hazards or kerbs. They may have been underinflated or overloaded causing heat build-up damage in the tyre. In addition, part-worn tyres may actually cost more per millimetre than a new tyre and so the 'good deal' may not be as good as anticipated."
Anything else?
Assistant Commissioner John Twomey, head of the Traffic Corps said: "Although the minimum legal tyre tread depth is 1.6mm for cars and 1mm for motorcycles, the simple fact is the more tread depth you have, the more grip you have on the road. Considering we are moving into wetter weather, this fact is all the more relevant. We appeal to all drivers and riders to specifically check the tread depth and condition of their tyres, and if necessary arrange for them to be changed. A simple visual check will identify an excessively worn or damaged tyre, so there is absolutely no excuse for driving with this obvious defect. Remember, road safety starts with you."