Police urge public to check their tyre safety

Cumbria Constabulary is supporting a national tyre safety campaign this month, and is urging people in Cumbria to get their tyres checked.

October is Tyre Safety month, and this year’s campaign by TyreSafe, a non–profit commercial organisation, is focused on asking drivers when they last had their tyres checked and asking them to ‘practice safe checks’.

A recent survey undertaken by TyreSafe revealed that more than a quarter of motorists were replacing their tyres when they were already illegal. This equates to nearly 10 million illegal and dangerous tyres on Britain’s roads in 2015.

PC Shaun McKeown said “Ensuring you have a safe tread depth on your tyres is essential. Tread depth affects how your vehicle accelerates, brakes, and corners. I would urge all motorists in Cumbria to check your vehicle’s Air pressure, Condition, and Tread depth (ACT) at least once a month. 

“Checking your tyres regularly is important all year round, but it is particularly significant as we head towards winter and possibly dangerous weather conditions. You owe it to yourself, your family and friends, and other road users, to make sure your tyres are safe.

“Please don’t put it off – checking your tyres could potentially save lives.” 

Top Tips for checking your tyres:

• Check your tyre pressure at least once a month.
• Tyre pressure should be checked against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level. This can be found in the vehicle handbook and on a plate which is often located inside the fuel filler flap or on the driver’s door sill.
• Check the pressure when tyres are cold (i.e. when you have travelled less than two miles).
• If you are carrying a full load of passengers or luggage or will be towing a trailer or caravan, tyre pressures should be increased in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Details can be found in the handbook.
• Ensure a reliable and accurate pressure gauge is used.
• Check the pressure in all four tyres – and don’t forget to check the spare tyre as well.
• While checking pressures, give the rest of the tyre a visual inspection. Remove any stones and other objects embedded in the tread. Look out for any bulges, lumps or cuts.
• If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your vehicle to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.

More information can be found on www.tyresafe.org