Drivers are being urged to ‘Get a Grip' and check their tyres
before setting out on long trips this summer. AA analysis reveals
that tyre-related carnage could kill or badly injure around 180
of them this year.
Cracked and decayed tyre rubber and perished valve rubbers are
often a factor in these incidents, particularly with vehicles
that get used in the summer only and stand idle over the winter.
A survey of 13,8071 AA members a fortnight ago found
that almost half (47%) of drivers wouldn't know where to look if
asked to check the age of a vehicle tyre with more than one in 10
(13%) expecting the age of their tyres to be checked as part of
the annual MOT test.
The latest government statistics show that tyre defects were
responsible for the death or serious injury of more than
18002 people between 2013 and 2022, this figure
includes 323 motorcyclists.
Caravan and holiday trailer tyres are a particular issue with
summer motoring. However, motorhomes have also come under the
spotlight.
In March, a coroner's Report to Prevent Future Deaths highlighted
an incident in August 2021, that left a woman and two children
dead3. The motorhome they were travelling in suffered
a catastrophic tyre failure and collided with a stationary HGV.
The coroner's concern was that because “… adults and children
over three years can travel in the rear areas of motorhomes
without restraint …” that may have worsened a tragedy that
started when “the front near side tyre unexpectedly
deflated …”
As the show and camping seasons get underway, thousands of
drivers will dust off their prized summer holiday and show
vehicles and prepare them for the months ahead. Many of these
vehicles only cover very low mileage each year which could easily
lead to the age and condition of the tyres being overlooked. Such
an oversight can come at a much higher cost than the
inconvenience of a breakdown or impact on the family budget.
Last year, The AA attended more than 620,000 tyre-related faults.
Many of these callouts could have been avoided by carrying out
some simple checks before using the vehicle. Checks like confirming
the date of manufacture of the vehicle's tyres, visually
inspecting the tread and sidewalls for cracks and checking if the
spare tyre (if available) is serviceable or if the wheel is
heavily corroded.
You can find out how old your tyres are by checking for a code on
the side of the tyre.
- Check the sidewall for the letters DOT
- Next to this, there'll be a 4-digit number code
- The first pair of numbers is the week of manufacture
- The second pair of numbers is the year of manufacture
- For example, 0720 means the 7th week of 2020.
Tyres manufactured after 2000 have a 4-digit code. If you see a
3-digit code, this means they were made before 2000 and should be
replaced immediately.
From February 1, 2021, it became illegal to operate a heavy
vehicle or certain types of minibus with tyres more than 10 years
old. Generally speaking, the same rule does not apply to smaller
vehicles like cars, but we highly recommend getting your tyres
replaced every five years to be safe.
If a driver is stopped and the vehicle tyres are found to be
defective, the driver can expect at least three penalty points
and a hefty fine.
Edmund King, AA Charitable Trust Director, said:
“It is worth remembering that tyres are your number one safety
asset as they keep you on the road. If more tyres were in better
condition, they would be less likely to be affected by road
debris and potholes. Checking your tyre pressures, treads and
sidewalls for cracks is vital, when it comes to keeping your
passengers and other road users safe.”
Matt Sims, Presenter of the Motorhome Matt
Podcast, said: “Motorhomes and caravans are often stored
for months on end without being moved. This can create a weak
spot on the tyre. Check the side walls for bulges and if the
outer wall is starting to whiten change the tyre. Remember too to
check your wheel nuts. Ensure they are still done up tight. Tyre
pressure is of course important too. It takes minutes to check
each tyre before the season's first trip.”
Make a PACT to check your tyres regularly.
Pressure
Age
Condition
Torque
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
1 Yonder received 13,807 responses from AA members to
its online poll between the 15th to 23rd April 2024. Yonder is a
member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
2Reported road collisions, vehicles and casualties
tables for Great Britain - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
3Woman and two children
killed in Yorkshire motorhome crash | Yorkshire | The
Guardian
Shirley Hunt - Prevention
of future deaths report - 2024-0156 (judiciary.uk)
Ellie Hunt - Prevention of
future deaths report - 2024-0157 (judiciary.uk)
Tyre age – How many miles
do tyres last? (theaa.com)
