Tyre safety remains essential during lockdown

Motorists are once again being urged to check to ensure their vehicle remains tyre safe. Of course, that means checking the tyres themselves but motorists should also be certain their NCT is valid.

UK charity TyreSafe says if motorists are considering buying part worns to save money, they should check the options of buying new tyres instead. Drivers should be aware of the potential dangers and false economy buying used tyres represents.

During the first Covid-19 lockdown, the Irish and UK governments respectively allowed motorists to defer their NCT/MOT for a number of months. The concern raised by TyreSafe was that with so many NCT and MOT services missed, there are potentially millions of more unroadworthy vehicles using the roads across Ireland and the UK than usual.

While both Ireland and the UK are currently in a second lockdown, the NCT and MOT services have been deemed essential and as such remain opened. That means motorists need to check when they need to take the mandatory safety test and plan ahead to ensure they can secure an appointment before their vehicle’s road worthiness validation expires.

Equally, TyreSafe says, there are some maintenance checks owners should carry out if they are parking up their vehicle for longer than usual during the lockdown. If tyre pressures are low on a vehicle left standing for a prolonged period, it can cause internal damage to the tyre due to the weight pressing down on it. To avoid that, simply ensure tyre pressures are at the setting recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

While checking pressures, it’s a good time to check the condition of the tyre. Is there anything unusual about the tyre, for example, lumps, cracks or objects embedded in them?

It’s also advisable to prepare tyres on a vehicle which is not going to be used for a prolonged period. Tyres deteriorate faster when they are left unused as exposure to UV rays and particles in the atmosphere, such as salt, accelerate the ageing process, making the tyres harden. To avoid these pitfalls, wash the tyres and cover them if at all possible.

If tyres do need to be replaced but money is tight and you’re considering buying part worn (or used tyres) check to ensure you are fully informed of their dangers and the false economy they represent. Investigations by TyreSafe and Trading Standards across the UK have revealed 94 per cent of retailers inspected are selling tyres illegally.

Nails, sockets and dangerous repairs are also discovered in the tyres sold far too frequently, with nearly two-thirds of tyres inspected by TyreSafe during these investigations being unsafe to return to the road network.

Even part worns sold in compliance with the regulations are typically a false economy as part of their usable lifespan has passed. Based on average tyre costs, a part worn is estimated to cost £6.33 per millimetre, while a new tyre is £5.32 per millimetre and it will need replacing sooner than a new tyre.

Many tyre retailers have put financial packages and offers in place to help those with limited disposable income purchase new tyres. An online check will identify those closest to you.

Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe chairman, said: “With more vehicles being parked up due to the second lockdown, it might seem odd to be paying particular attention to tyre safety on our cars but, in fact, now is the right time.

“Motorists have legal obligations to ensure their vehicle is roadworthy and has a valid NCT/MOT – now is the time to check yours is valid.

“With money becoming increasingly tight for many households they should check they’re getting the most from their tyres’ with regular maintenance. If tyres do need replacing, check the options available before turning to part worns.

“In short, to stay tyre safe during the pandemic, check, check then check again.”