Tyre warning for motorists
Date: 11/03/2008 15:43:32
British drivers should check their tyres carefully before setting off on car journeys, as the weather worsens.
Meteorologists predict that the country could experience some of the worst storms of the winter this week and non-profit organisation TyreSafe is urging motorists to take care.
The condition of tyres is particularly important during adverse weather conditions, particularly as many roads are experiencing high levels of standing water and further rain is expected.
Wet conditions can cause skidding as a result of reduced adhesion of the tyre after driving through deep water, aquaplaning (the loss of steering capability and grip caused by water) and braking distances are extended.
TyreSafe stresses that, with heavy rain and gale force winds forecast for the week ahead, all tyres must be kept to the manufacturers recommended pressures and legal minimum tread depth. An estimated one in four cars and vans on UK roads has at least one badly worn or defective tyre.
Dutch tyre manufacturer Vredestein, is the latest company to become a full member of TyreSafe, bringing the total number of businesses supporting the initiative to 19.