When did you last think about your tyres? Road Safety Week is a good occasion to do so, says Pat Coyne from Coyne Tyres Ballina. Motorists are being encouraged to take ten minutes out this week to get their tyres checked at their local tyre outlet. Pat Coyne is advising drivers to “get ready for winter and have your tyres checked by a professional to make sure they are fit for all journeys. Even short journeys can kill so looking after your tyres is one thing you should always do to keep you and your family safe, particularly heading into the wet and icy winter season.
As Pat Coyne points out, tyres are one’s only contact with the road. The brakes on a car will stop the wheels going around, but it’s the tyres grip on the road, that eventually stops the car. If the tread depth, which essentially is the grip, is too low or unevenly work, the car will not be able to stop when it needs to. That could be the difference between being able to stop in time to miss that truck, that child or that tree. Having one’s tyres checked by a professional will save money too.
The legal tread depth limit for tyres is 1.6 mm and the Gardai will be out during road safety week to check people’s tyres are safe and legal. During the free tyre check the level of inflation of tyres will also be checked to make sure motorists get the full lifetime from their tyres, with even wear and better fuel economy. Many motorists don’t realise the serious safety issue that part worn or second hand waste tyres pose for them, their families and other road users. Tyres being sold as part worn or second hand, are in fact waste tyres - tyres that have been discarded by the motorist . “There is a reason that tyres have been taken off and you need to ask yourself why did someone else throw them away” says Pat Coyne. He contends that there are also poor value: For example at 3mm in thread depth the tyres is 74 per cent worn. The RSA advises road users to not use second hand tyres as it is impossible to know the history of such tyres.”
Pat Coyne points out that the second highest failure in the NCT is tyre related. The most common tyre failure is directional tyres fitted incorrectly. “This would be like putting on your shoes on the wrong feet, you wouldn’t be able to walk properly and would likely trip up if you went to run.” The fact that people are fitting tyres incorrectly points to the fact, says the ITIA, that there are rouge traders selling tyres today, without any regard for customer safety. The Association of have introduced licensing for their members who have accredited staff and come up to their strict criteria for standards, safety and service. The ITIA members are the professionals in the tyre trade, so take ten minutes today to have your tyres checked. It could save your life. Call Pat now on (087 ) 2201819 for the best tyre deal for your car.
