National Tyre Safety Month prompts message to motorists

Motorists in Carmarthenshire are being urged to tread carefully by carrying out regular checks on their car tyres.
October is National Tyre Safety Month and the council’s road safety unit are encouraging drivers to check their tyres, especially before long journeys. The message is simple: Don’t chance it – check it!
Drivers should make sure their tyres are at the correct pressure and replace them when worn or damaged.
Cars, light goods vehicles and light trailers must have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference. Motorcycles, large vehicles and passenger carrying vehicles must have a minimum legal tread depth of 1mm.
Executive Board Member for the Environment, Cllr Hazel Evans said: “Making sure your vehicle has the correct tyre pressure is vital to your safety on the road. Under-inflated tyres affect handling and grip, and are also much more likely to have a dangerous sudden rapid deflation, especially on high-speed motorway journeys.
“Drivers also have a legal requirement to make sure there is sufficient tread on their tyres as without it the tyres may not be able to perform properly in wet conditions, again reducing your safety on the road. Furthermore, if your tyres are illegal you risk a fine of up to £2,500 plus three penalty points for each defective tyre.”
If you’re unsure of your car tyre’s tread depth, an easy way to check is by using a Tread Buddy. For your free Tread Buddy (which also acts as a trolley coin) email roadsafety@carmarthenshire.gov.uk.
You can also send the road safety team a private message on Facebook or a direct message on Twitter or telephone 01267 228284.