A leading road safety organisation is advising drivers to carry out basic tyre checks before setting off on their Bank Holiday trips this spring.
TyreSafe, the UK’s leading tyre safety organisation, is encouraging motorists to take a few minutes to check air pressure and overall tyre condition. Every year, large numbers of tyre-related breakdowns clog up Britain’s motorways, causing delays and tailbacks as Britons take to the road for a short Easter getaway.
Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, said the extra luggage and passenger weight means that holidaymakers vehicles’ are often much heavier than normal, placing additional strain on the tyres. As a result it’s important to have the correct air pressure when making long journeys with heavy loads.
He said: “Spending just a few minutes checking your vehicle’s tyres could ultimately save you hours of hassle following a puncture or blow-out. However, what’s more important is that an unchecked tyre might be unsafe, putting the driver, passengers and other road users in very real danger.”
Driving on under-inflated tyres causes excessive heat build-up inside the tyre, which can lead to premature failure. Many vehicle manufacturers note that tyre pressure should be adjusted accordingly if travelling with heavy cargoes.
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