13/01/2010

Renewed Tyre Tread Warning

With TV news reports filled with footage of cars skidding out of control on icy roads, shocking research reveals that 2.7 million motorists are making the arctic weather even more risky for themselves – and others.

A survey by Kwik-Fit shows that one in 10 motorists are driving on tyres with less than the legal minimum tread – and millions more are unprepared for emergencies caused by the 'big freeze'.

The combination of nationwide severe weather warnings from the Met Office and the reported shortages of grit in council depots are resulting in the most hazardous driving conditions for many winters.

An easy check drivers can make themselves is to insert a 20p piece into the tread.

If you can see the coin’s outer border showing, the tread could be reaching the legal limit and should be checked by a specialist.

The extreme conditions have resulted in the chances of motorists being stranded in their cars, perhaps even overnight, rising significantly.

However, many remain unprepared for this event, with 16% of motorists taking no special emergency supplies or equipment.

Nearly 80% of motorists (21.7 million) don't even bring extra winter clothes with them on their journey.

David White, customer services director at Kwik-Fit, said: "With Britain likely to remain gripped by freezing conditions for some time yet we urge motorists who are unsure about the condition of their tyres to visit us for a free check up.

"Motorists would do well to remember that prevention is better than the cure and with dwindling grit stocks, many roads will become even more treacherous."

(PR/GK)

Related Northern Ireland Motoring News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

08 January 2010
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.
11 January 2010
AA Renews Winter Tips
Unprecedented weather conditions have resulted in record numbers of breakdowns with the AA reporting 2,000 calls an hour and more than twice the number per day than usual. In many cases motorists have been caught unprepared for the cold weather – despite advance warning.
27 April 2010
Car Website Calls For Motorist's Manifesto
As political campaigning reaches its final stage, leading used car website, motors.co.uk has called for a Motorists’ Manifesto to place the needs of UK drivers at the top of the political agenda. The move follows new research by the website into the key issues concerning motorists ahead of the election.
15 January 2010
Pothole Wheel Alignment Warning
To avoid any additional vehicle damage and expense caused as a result of driving over potholes, TyreSafe, the UK's leading tyre safety organisation, is advising motorists to ensure their wheels are properly aligned.
04 May 2010
£100m 'Not Enough For Road Fix'
A pre-election survey has revealed key attitudes among UK motorists. 62% of those surveyed said £100m would not be enough to fix the UK's road. Severe weather conditions that hit the UK earlier this year took their toll on roads, leaving motorists today navigating a pothole hell.