INFOGRAPHIC: Tyre safety tips

While the country is continuously working to provide transport infrastructure, the high number of road accidents remain a challenge.

Research by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research indicated that nearly 20 percent of accidents have tyre failure as a contributing factor.

When braking, the idea is to have sufficient friction between the road surface and the tyre to bring the vehicle to a standstill.

If tyres are worn there won’t be enough friction and the tyre will slide on the road surface, not stopping the vehicle. Well-maintained tyres will hold a vehicle securely on the road, allowing it to stop, start and manoeuvre safely.

•  Check your tyre pressure on a cold start or before a long journey
•  You’ll find the correct pressure for your tyres in your operating manual. In most cases, it’s either under your fuel cap, on the driver’s door panel or in the cubbyhole
•  If your tyre’s sidewall is damaged, replace it
•  Check regularly for any sign of irregular wear, any sharp objects lodged in the tread and any cuts, tears, cracks or bulges. Check for damage or uneven wear on all four tyres, on both sides of the tyre, and on the wheel rims
•  Under-inflated tyres use more fuel, so check the pressure.