A warning has been issued to anyone who drives a car.
Merseyside has been hit with heavy rainfall this week raising concerns over flooding and challenging driving conditions. Roads became waterlogged as cars were pictured on flooded roads, and the poor weather is set to continue.
TyreSafe is urging motorists to make one regular check on their car to avoid breaking the law. They want motorists to pledge to check their tyres regularly to reduce the risk of an incident while out on the road.
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Checking your tyre tread depth is particularly important as if it isn't right then it could compromise not only the driver's safety but also other road users. If you don't check your tread you could be hit with a hefty and three penalty points per tyre.
Winter tyres and All Season tyres have special tread patterns which help to provide extra grip in snow and ice. However, by law, the minimum tread depth required for a vehicle's tyres is 1.6mm.
All drivers, irrespective of whether they fit winter weather tyres or not, should carry out regular checks throughout the winter to ensure their tyres are in the best possible condition for maximum safety. In winter tread depth should be checked to ensure it is well above the legal minimum of 1.6mm across the central 3/4 of the tyre, around its entire circumference, TyreSafe says.
TyreSafe has developed the 20p test for a simple and quick way to test your tyres’ tread depth. Tyre pressures should be checked at least once a month or before a long journey.
The outer rim of the 20p is approximately 2.6mm, so drivers can insert the coin into the tyre’s tread and gauge how much of the border remains exposed. If the border is completely hidden, tread depth is likely to be above the legal limit; if any more than the slightest amount of the coin’s rim is visible, the tread needs to be checked by a professional.
Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe chairman, said: "Pledging to check your tyres once a month, every month and before long journeys could be the most life-changing New Year’s resolution you could ever make. Conditions in January are already challenging, with an increased risk of aquaplaning, which is why it is even more important during the winter months.
"It only takes a few minutes, less time than a workout, or prepping a detox smoothie, and could save the lives of you, your passengers and other road users."
With poor weather conditions in Merseyside, flood alerts were issued including in parts of Knowsley. Knowsley Council urged motorists to be aware as they back the TyreSafe campaign.
Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, added: "It is really important that residents check their tyres regularly to ensure they are safe and legal and making this part of their routine could potentially save a life.
"The weather in 2023 has proven challenging, with heavy rainfall making driving conditions particularly difficult and it is therefore extremely important we ensure our cars are safe to drive. I urge all motorists across Knowsley to make monthly tyre checks a priority this year and help keep our roads and its users safe."
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