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What are the tread depth's of the tyres on your car?
Every vehicle on the road needs tyres. Every vehicle needs value tyres with good braking, grip in the wet and dry, fuel consumption and low noise.
Poor tyre condition is one of the leading causes of vehicles failing the MOT and of road traffic accidents.
- Tyre tread depth below 1.6mm?
- Cuts or bulges?
- Mismatched tyres on the same axle?
These are some of the causes of test failures and road accidents.
Second-hand/part worn tyres. Cheap tyres. Budget tyres. Premium tyres.
There is a significant price difference among the ranges of tyres so choosing the right tyres can be a daunting process.
Poor tyre condition can lead to road collision
In 2017 there were 1477 collisions occurred on UK roads, according to Statistica Research Department Report 14th March 2019.
- Tyres were a known contributory factor in 472 (32%) of the 1477 collisions
- With 14 fatal incidents and 115 Serious incidents related to tyres (ROSPA).
What were the causes of the defective tyres:
- Tyres were illegal and lower than the legal limit of 1.6mm
- Under-inflated tyres lower than that recommended pressure set by the car manufacturer
- Tyres were defective.
- A combination of of all of the above
(Source: Department of Transport Contributory factors for reported road accidents (RAS50))
Currently, the penalty for illegal tyres is a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre endorsed on the licence if you drive a vehicle with defective or worn tyres (ROSPA).
Tyres make a huge difference
You don’t have to necessarily buy a full set of new premium top of the line tyres. Budget tyres will serve you well if you choose a reliable and trusted brand or you may have a tyre wth a puncture that can be repaired.
Remember to do regular tread depth, pressure checks and visual inspections of your tyres, as well as ensuring your wheels are aligned. Make sure you meet safety requirements to drive on UK roads.
There are many hidden dangers of cheap and part worn tyres. We at First Stop want to help you to make an informed decision when purchasing tyres. In this blog post we discuss the benefits of premium and mid-range, over cheap and part-worn tyres.
1. PREMIUM TYRES ARE SAFER
Premium tyres deliver the highest possible standards of safety. With part worn tyres don’t have the tread depth you get with new tyres. Cheap tyres can also potentially affect your ability to stop. Good tyre tread depth is essential in ensuring you can brake safely in dry and wet conditions.
Mid-range tyres aren’t as good as premium tyres but are a safer option than cheap and part worn tyres. If you’re on a mid-range and still need safe tyres, we at First Stop offer a full range of mid-range tyres to suit your needs.
2. PREMIUM TYRES ARE A COST-EFFECTIVE INVESTMENT
Premium tyres are safer and a cost-effective investment. Quality tyres are less expensive in the long run. You won’t have to replace quality tyres as often as you will with part worn tyres. Premium tyres last longer, thanks to the higher quality materials and manufacturing standards.
Cheap and part worn tyres will need more intervention.
3. FUEL EFFICIENCY
Do tyres affect fuel consumption?
Your tyres affect everything, including your vehicle’s fuel consumption. Tyres affect vehicle fuel efficiency through rolling resistance - the pressure that a rolling tyre puts on the road.
Quality tyres represent an easy way to make your vehicle more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.
Uneven tyre pressure causes unnecessary wear that severely shortens the lifespan of your tyres. Tyres with low rolling resistance cut the amount of energy required to move a vehicle therefore saving fuel and wear on the tyre itself.
Still unsure which tyres you need? Here at First Stop we will take you through all your options. Find your nearest First Stop outlet at our branch selector