Wherever you want to be this summer, be tyre safe

With remaining uncertainty about the safety and logistics of foreign travel, according to YouGov, 47% of British holidaymakers* are planning a 2021 staycation, with many relying on their vehicle to get them to their destination.

With an expected rise in longer journeys in the UK, TyreSafe is reminding drivers there are more tyre-related incidents on the roads in summer than at any other time of the year. This summer also sees the lifting of all legal coronavirus restrictions, meaning more drivers will be returning to regular driving including commuting after periods of less than regular activity in their cars. Vehicles parked for longer than usual periods may be at greater risk of tyre cracking and deteriorating in adverse and warm weather conditions.

To ensure drivers and their families get their staycation off to a safe and smooth start, drivers are encouraged to be tyre safe and remember to ACT – check: air pressure, condition and tread before setting off.

• There are more reported tyre-related incidents in summer than at any other time of the year

When checking tyre pressures

When checking tyre pressures, don’t forget to consider just how loaded your vehicle will be with additional luggage and passengers. Most car manufacturers supply two recommended pressures, one for lighter loads and one for laden vehicles and it is crucial that drivers adjust the pressures accordingly. These pressures can be found in the vehicle handbook, door sill or fuel filler cap.

Next, it is important to check the condition of your vehicle’s tyres. Carefully inspect each for cracks, bulges or foreign objects. If you notice any of these you must seek advice from a tyre professional immediately.

Drivers should check the tread depth of their tyres. The minimum legal tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, and you can check your tyres are legal using a 20p piece. Insert the coin into the tyre’s tread around the circumference and across the width of the tyre at several points. If you can see any of the outer rim you need to have your tyres checked by a professional to avoid potential fines of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points per tyre.

Summer Motoring

Finally, before loading the boot, drivers are advised to locate and check the condition of the spare wheel, if one is fitted. It is likely that most modern vehicles will instead contain a ‘space-saver’ or an emergency puncture repair kit. Familiarising yourself with your equipment will help you and your passengers stay safe and get back on the road in the event of a rapid deflation.

TyreSafe’s summer campaign includes videos, digital media and assets to help supporters to spread the message.

Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe Chair, said: “In a year laced with so many ups and downs and ongoing uncertainty, the last thing holidaymakers want is their trip spoiled by a tyre-related incident that could be prevented by performing basic checks. While we are all keen to enjoy our new-found freedom, just five minutes checking your tyres could be the difference between making memories and a trip cut short.

Whether you’re a day tripper or holiday-maker, you should be aware more tyre-related incidents happen on Britain’s roads during the summer months than at any other time of year. To keep your risks to a minimum, ensure you’ve checked your tyres before you set off.

Did you know? More tyre-related incidents occur on the UK roads in the summer months than any other time of the year.

As summer-time approaches each year, many UK drivers will be planning to take their vehicles for some or all of their journey on holiday. Many people may also use their vehicle for summer sporting activities including boating, caravanning or off-roading.

For those without a trip planned, there will likely be more day trips and exploring with family and loved ones, so be sure to perform basic tyre safety checks before setting off.

Summer Resources banner

Other Summer Assets

Firstly, to avoid risking 3 penalty points and up to £2,500 fine per tyre, be sure to check your tread depth. The minimum legal UK tread depth is 1.6 mm. You can find a simple and easy way to check this here: https://www.tyresafe.org/20p-test/

Next, check your tyre pressures, paying extra attention to the pressure requirements in a vehicle loaded with family, luggage and equipment for your summer holiday. You can find the correct pressures for your vehicle in your manual, or by visiting our pressure checker here: https://www.tyresafe.org/pressure/

Thirdly, check the condition of your tyres, looking out for stones, other foreign objects, cuts or bulges. If you see any defects, get your tyres checked by a professional before setting off on your holiday.

Summer holidays are precious and well-deserved. Don’t let a tyre-related incident spoil your fun.

Infographic

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You’re likely to be carrying more luggage and more passengers, and travelling further too. This makes it essential your car tyres are in tip-top condition.

  • REMEMBER: Never change your tyre on the hard shoulder of a motorway or dual carriageway.
  • Check your air pressure
  • Check your tyres for no cracks, lumps or bulges
  • Check your tread depth
  • Check you’ve got a spare and make yourself aware of the equipment you have available