Police issue tyre advice for wet weather driving

Police are supporting a national initiative on tyre safety in wet weather conditions in a bid to reduce to the number of road collisions across the county.

Cumbria Constabulary is supporting Tyre Safety Month throughout October. This year’s campaign by TyreSafe, a non–profit commercial organisation, is on ensuring tyres are in the correct condition to combat wet conditions.

2013 was the wettest winter in the UK on record and in wet weather, it's essential that your car's tyres have adequate tread depth. Without it, your safety on the road will be compromised and you may not be able to brake, accelerate or corner properly.

The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre around its entire circumference. Driving on tyres which are below this limit is not only dangerous but illegal and you could face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each tyre.

Officers from the Operational Support Unit will be conducting checks on vehicles throughout the county and will enforce the law robustly where necessary.

PC Shaun McKeown said “It is essential that people are safe when out and about on the roads. We encourage everyone to use the 20 pence test to make sure that their tyres are of legal tread depth.

“The tread grooves on your tyre help to evacuate the water from the contact patch between your tyre and the road surface so your car can grip the road properly.

“The right amount of pressure in tyres can make a substantial difference. Not only does it make you safe when in your vehicle, by providing better handling and braking, it can save you money.

“Under-inflated tyres will wear out quickly, therefore increase the need to replace more frequently. Your vehicle will also use more fuel, therefore increasing your bills.

“If you are not certain about the right pressure level, go to your local garage who will be happy to check it for you.

“Don’t put checking off, it could save your life.”

Tyre pressures should be checked at least once a month or before any long journeys.

The correct pressure settings for vehicles can be found inside the vehicle handbook, inside the fuel filler cap or on a plate on the driver's door sill.

Alternatively you can search TyreSafe’s online database, at www.tyresafe.org by simply entering the vehicle's registration number.

Police & Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said “The issue of road safety is raised often when I meet with members of the public. I welcome the proactive approach from the police as part of the TyreSafe campaign.  It is important that we all heed this advice especially during more difficult driving conditions such as wet weather.”

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.

Advice about road safety will be tweeted throughout the month from the Constabulary’s Operational Support Unit Twitter account - @CumbriaRoadsPol. Join in the conversation by using the hashtag #CumbriaRoads.