Over 600,000 UK motorists have been urged to check their tyres for “crucial” problems this January. It comes as more and more crashes are happening on the roads as a result of poor car safety.
Concerns are mounting that learner drivers could be putting themselves, and other people, in danger as they get onto the roads for the first time. Novices are of particular concern, as they’re more likely to concentrate on vehicle operation rather than essential safety measures.
Now, Paul Cowland — brand ambassador at Envoy Tyres — has issued a stark warning that grasping tyre safety is absolutely critical. He is now pressing learner drivers to make sure they look at the pressure, tread depth and overall condition of their tyres without delay.
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Speaking to the Express, Paul explained: “Tyres keep you safe on the road, yet learner drivers often focus more on manoeuvres and road rules. It’s important to remember that tyre safety is just as crucial.
“Knowing how to check pressures, tread, and overall condition isn’t just for the test; it’s a lifelong habit that protects you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.” DVSA statistics reveal that by the end of September, a massive 668,128 people had practical driving tests scheduled across the UK.
These figures represent a shocking 15% surge from the 579,138 candidates awaiting examinations just 12 months before. The enormous backlog means learner drivers are still enduring waits of more than 20 weeks to actually take their practical test.
(Image: Oleksandr Siedov via Getty Images)
Paul emphasised that it was absolutely vital for learners to rapidly master how to determine whether tyres possess adequate tread depth. Britain’s minimum legal tread depth stands at 1.6mm across three-quarters of the tyre’s width.
As a simple technique, Envoy Tyres recommended that people use a 20p coin, which vanishes into the tread if it’s sufficiently deep and legal. Paul advised motorists to always check their tyre pressures when they’re cold, ideally using a pump or pressure gauge.
As part of the ‘show me, tell me’ section in their practical exam, learners may be asked to find information about the vehicle’s correct tyre pressures. He also pleaded with drivers to inspect for any cuts, bulges, or tears before each trip to ensure their vehicle is roadworthy.
(Image: Getty)
And with temperatures due to rise as we head towards the end of winter, it is worth remembering to keep an eye on pressure, especially in warmer climates. Car maintenance gurus tell drivers to look in their car’s manual, or inside the fuel tank flap, to find the optimal pressure level that you can fill the air in your tyres to at petrol stations.
Adding his final piece of advice, he said: “A little preparation goes a long way. With these tips, you’ll be in a great position for your test and be ready to keep yourself, your passengers, and other road users safe.”
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