Winter Weather Puts More Pressure on Tyre Safety

Published 10th January 2003

With snow and ice on the ground motorists should avoid the temptation to reduce tyre pressures to improve grip, this is an old wives tale and will simply cause accelerated wear and will not improve traction. The TIC has issued a simple four-point winter tyre safety check for motorists to help ensure safe driving: Check that all tyres are well above the minimum 1.6mm of tread – the TIC recommends during the winter that at least 2.5mm is a safer compromise Check the sidewall for cuts, bulges or damage. It is easy to miss damage on the inside of a tyre so if in doubt call into your local tyre dealer who will normally check them out free of charge Don't reduce tyre pressures to aid traction, it doesn't work and will increase wear. Remember, the more tread on a tyre, the better the traction in very wet or snowy conditions. Do check the spare, this is often forgotten by motorists and nothing can be more frustrating to find a deflated or illegal spare in the boot.

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