Michelin issues yule tyre appeal

Parents of new drivers are being urged to consider buying tyres for their children this Christmas. Michelin made the call after research by TyreSafe concluded that young drivers are at greater risk of being involved in a tyre-related accident than older motorists.

A survey by the UK tyre safety organisation found that more than a third of drivers aged between 18 and 25 had never checked their tread depth – and two thirds had not checked their tread within the last month.

In addition, a quarter confessed they had never checked their tyre pressures, with three out of five admitting they had not checked them in the last month.

Tyre manufacturer Michelin is calling on parents to help their children stay safe on the road.

Malcolm Scovell, Commercial Director for Michelin in the UK and Ireland, said: “The TyreSafe research was carried out in the UK, but I would be amazed if the same patterns didn’t apply to young drivers in Ireland

“That’s a real worry, because ignoring tyre maintenance costs lives.”

“Drivers who have passed their test this year may well be asking parents for upgraded in-car entertainment equipment or other accessories this Christmas.”

“Before parents splash out on fancy speakers and the like, though, I would urge them to look at their children’s tyres. Are they up to the job or are they putting new drivers at risk?”

“Good quality tyres may not be as easy to gift wrap as a set of speakers, but they will help keep your loved ones safe for a long time to come.”

Parents can find out which tyres are suitable for their children’s vehicles by using Michelin’s tyre selector at www.michelin.co.uk