Shocking Kwik-Fit Tyre Calender

Kwik-Fit today revealed its annual 'Tyre Wall of Shame' calendar for 2010.

Compared to other famous tyre calendars, the Tyre Wall of Shame 2010 may be less glamorous, however the photographs are equally likely to take people’s breath away.

It features twelve shocking images of tyres in outrageous condition, including some with almost no tread left, sidewall ruptures through under inflation, and even one worn right down to the steel core.

All the tyres featured were removed from customer’s cars on a single day in December 2009.

Millions of unsuspecting motorists could be closer than they think to featuring in next year’s calendar as research for Kwik-Fit showed that one third of UK drivers have not checked their tyres in the last six months.

Kwik-Fit research also found that one-in-five (5.4 million) motorists have under-inflated tyres, and one-in-ten (2.7 million) have tread depths below the legal requirement of 1.6mm.

An under inflated tyre could suddenly fail when driving – resulting in an immediate and dramatic loss of control. Motorists with an under inflated tyre may also experience poor handling and braking performance, as well as high fuel consumption.

Driving on tyres with tread depth below the legal minimum will have a profoundly adverse effect on a car’s ability to stop, which is only made worse in wet, wintry conditions.

David White, customer services director at Kwik-Fit, said: "When we produced last year’s Tyre Wall of Shame calendar, we hoped that it would remind motorists of the consequences of not looking after their tyres properly.

"We didn’t want to have to produce a calendar every year, but 2009 has seen even more additions to our collection of shockers.

"People shouldn’t forget the importance of their tyres – they are literally what keep their cars on the road.

"Checking them regularly is one of the most important safety measures drivers can take."

(PR/BMcC)