Free Tyre Safety Checks for Lincolnshire Drivers

 Drivers in Lincolnshire are being offered the opportunity to ensure their car’s tyres are in a safe state and fit to cope with the worst possible weather this winter as part of a national road safety campaign.

Throughout October’s national Tyre Safety Month, Bush Tyres is offering drivers a free tyre safety check covering tyre pressures, tread depth and a visual inspection of the tyre’s condition to ensure they are safe and legal.

“October is normally the wettest month of the year in the UK, so it’s essential that drivers’ tyres are in a good condition in preparation for this,” explains Tom Bush, Director, Bush Tyres. “After last year’s record rainfall we should expect another very wet winter and, without safe and legal tyres, motorists will be risking their safety on the road.”

Indeed, each year more than 1,200 road casualties result from illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres.

Current regulations stipulate that car drivers in the UK must have at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three quarters of their tyre, around its entire circumference. Drivers failing to comply with these regulations not only experience an increased safety risk, but also face a potential fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre.

Adequate tread depth is essential for safe driving as the tyre’s tread grooves help to evacuate any water from the road surface, ensuring controlled braking, steering and acceleration. Driving on low tread depth also brings an increased risk of aquaplaning which can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle.

However, in addition to the free tyre safety checks being carried out at Bush Tyres drivers can also perform the quick and easy 20p test themselves. To carry out the test, simply insert a 20p coin into the main grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the 20p coin is obscured when inserted into the tyre, the tread depth exceeds the legal minimum. However, if the outer band is visible, the tread depth may be below the legal minimum and should be inspected immediately by a qualified tyre professional.

For more details about tyre safety, how to take the 20p test or to find the location of your nearest tyre dealer offering free tyre safety checks, visit www.tyresafe.org.

Notes

TyreSafe is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of correct tyre maintenance and the dangers of defective and worn tyres.

In 2009, TyreSafe was awarded with the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award in recognition of its achievements in raising awareness about the dangers associated with driving on defective and worn tyres.

TyreSafe is a signatory to the European Road Safety Charter which aims to reduce road fatalities.

TyreSafe is a supporter of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety which aims to make roads safer and save lives.

For more information click on the Bush tyres logo on the left

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