Car tyre safety remains a problem in SA
Check your tyres regularly to improve safety for all road users.
CAR tyre safety remains a massive problem that, if addressed effectively, can play a significant role in reducing the carnage on South African roads, the Automobile Association (AA) said.
The Association held a car tyre safety demonstration at the Gerotek Test Facilities west of Pretoria recently which highlighted the dangers of driving with worn or damaged tyres.
The tyre safety demonstration highlighted the need for better maintenance of tyres on vehicles, but also demonstrated what can go wrong if worn tyres aren’t replaced.
Checking tyres regularly was also important as the rate of deterioration of tyres is not something that happens overnight; it is a gradual process but can become urgent if left unchecked.
“Many people still don’t realise the dangers of driving with damaged or worn tyres, but they are critical safety features. They are, after all, the only thing keeping your car safely on the road,” the AA noted.
Apart from this, the AA also advised motorists that in the event of a crash, their insurance claims could be refuted if it was found that their tyres were in a poor condition, and were the result of the crash occurring.
AA-PR58-Pic 6
Photo by Philip Purnell (AA)
TYRE MAINTENANCE TIPS
* Check all tyres when you fill up your tank,
* Park your car with the front tyres at an angle to make it easier to check their tread depth,
* When using a specific filling station, use a different machine to check your tyres in case there is a problem with the one you use all the time,
* Check the tyre pressure indicator in your owner’s manual or in your car, and inflate your tyres according to the load they will carry. Don’t over, or underinflate, your tyres,
* If there appears to be a problem with any tyre, get it attended to immediately. If you are unsure get it checked by a tyre specialist,
* Only buy tyres from reputable tyre dealers, not from the side of the road. Remember, a good deal now may cost you more later on,
* Ensure your tyres are properly balanced and that the wheel alignment is correct,
* Don’t delay replacing tyres if they are worn.
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