14 June 2011
Aussie winter means rain, hail and snow to snowfields and surrounding districts. Given this, Australians need to pay close attention to the condition and quality of their tyres after the VACC has released startling findings showing more than one in three vehicles (35%) were unsafe, with problem tyres being the worst offender.
According to a recent survey: 23% of men are uneasy driving in snow compared to 18% women; and 24% of women are uneasy driving in rain compared to 34% of men.
Beaurepaires’ communications manager James Peate warns as the weather conditions worsen, drivers should take the time to ensure their tyres are in optimum shape to navigate wet and slippery roads.
“Having roadworthy tyres is crucial to the safety of your car. They are the only contact point between the vehicle and the road, which emphasises the importance of regular physical and visual inspections to ensure your tyres are correctly inflated, and that they have the correct tread depth,” Peate says.
“The risk of rainfall and snow only compounds the need to take action now with the possibility of wet weather and icy roads ahead.
“A tyre with insufficient tread can’t disperse water quickly enough and can sit on top of the water surface, resulting in reduced traction and stopping ability – called ‘aquaplaning’.
To combat this, tyres must have adequate, legal tread depth to increase the chances of keeping your car on the road in an emergency stopping situation.”
Peate also suggested that while tyre tread plays one critical role in stopping distances, few drivers also know or appreciate the stopping distance advantages of premium tyres versus those that are cheaper and of inferior quality, particularly in the wet conditions.
“The quality of the tyre, as well as its inflation, tread depth and general condition, greatly influence its ability to stop a vehicle,” Peate says.
The moral? Get your tyres checked by an expert – pronto. A thorough inspection of your tyres will ensure sufficient tyre tread, pressure and general health, enabling you to hit the road with greater peace of mind for winter.