With research highlighting up to 1 in 4 vehicles* could have illegal tyres this year, Hankook Tyre UK, is calling on all drivers to regularly inspect their tyres to ensure their vehicles can perform properly and safely this winter.
October is Tyre Safety month, and with the weather taking a turn, the tyre manufacturer is getting behind Tyre Safe’s annual campaign and highlighting three important checks drivers should ‘ACT’ on.
These are:
A is for Air Pressure
There are several issues that can occur if you drive on tyres that are over or under-inflated. Both over and under-inflated tyres can lead to blowouts, which can cause loss of control of the vehicle and potential danger to other road users. Adequately inflated tyres not only ensure optimal performance of a vehicle, but they can also ensure greater fuel efficiency.
You can usually find the correct air pressure level for your tyres on the inner side of the car door, inside the petrol cap door, or in the car manual. To check the pressure of your tyre, use a certified pressure gauge to see if the reading matches the correct pressure level for the load. Make any adjustments necessary.
C is for Condition
Take a good look at each tyre to check the condition and examine the spare one too (if you have one). Any damage such as cuts, cracks or bulges puts you at risk of blowouts which can cause serious accidents, so any damaged tyres must be replaced immediately.
T is for Tread
Check the tread of your tyres. The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm. To carry out a test, try the 20p test. Simply place a 20-pence coin in the main tread channels at various points around the tyre. If any part of the outer band of the coin face is visible, it means the tyre tread is too shallow and needs to be replaced. If you are uncertain about this, it is advised to visit a professional tyre centre where they will be happy to help you.
Hankook recommends drivers carry out the above tyre checks at least once a month and before any long journey. In addition, drivers may also wish to switch to tyres which are designed for colder temperatures and conditions.
As many motorists make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), Hankook UK’s iON FlexClimate has been specifically designed for EVs and can adapt to all weather conditions, making the transition from summer to winter driving seamless.
Chang Yool Han, Managing Director at Hankook Tyre UK, says: “Tyre safety is often overlooked, but it’s a critical aspect of road safety. October is synonymous with the darker nights and colder weather setting in, which can pose some additional considerations for the nation’s drivers.
“Throughout Tyre Safety Month, we want to remind motorists to check their tyres are in optimal condition, helping to reduce the risk of accidents and making winter journeys safer and more comfortable for everyone.”
For more information on tyre safety, please visit HankookTire.com/uk
