Worn tyres could void your car insurance coverage

Aussie drivers threat voided auto insurance coverage claims as a result of driving on unroadworthy tyres. A survey by Canstar Blue has found that 40% of drivers are unaware of legal tyre security standards, whilst one in 5 don’t know how to check if their tyres are as well worn. As well as being potentially harmful, that lack of knowledge could prove pricey in the event of an accident and subsequent insurance coverage claim. The survey also found that 48% of drivers delay purchasing new tyres for as lengthy as achievable, even though 23% tend to purchase the least expensive tyres offered. And 29% admitted they have been fearful of an accident due to the fact of driving on worn tyres. Female drivers are twice as likely as males to be unaware of tyre safety standards and virtually 3 instances as most likely not to know how to check their tread depth. And the younger a driver is, the less most likely they are to know about tyre security, the survey of 1,648 Australians identified. Just over half of Gen Y survey respondents stated they didn’t know about legal tyre security standards. Tyres fitted to a vehicle, which do not have tyre wear indicators, should have a tread pattern at least 1.5mm deep. If the tread has worn down to any of the tyre wear indicators, or there is less than 1.5mm of tread depth on the tyre, then it is regarded to be unroadworthy. Insurance firms could potentially void a claim if you haven’t maintained your vehicle in a roadworthy situation. So what else could void your claim? Other issues that could void your auto insurance claim:

• Any undisclosed modifications.


• Driving beneath the influence of drugs or alcohol.


• Overloading a car or trailer being towed.


• Not keeping your automobile in a roadworthy condition, including worn brake pads.


• Enabling a non-insured driver behind the wheel of your automobile if you have a restricted policy. For instance, young drivers if you have a policy specifying drivers over the age of 25 only.

Most factors that can void your insurance coverage cover are all basic. They are items that, reasonably, an insurance coverage provider must be able to count on you to do. Yet this investigation indicates that several people continue to make these blunders and could potentially finish up paying for them. The excuse of “I forgot” or “I didn’t realise” basically will not wash with your insurer when you go to make a claim. That’s why it is crucial all drivers are fully au fait with the terms of their policy.

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Worn tyres could void your car insurance coverage

Check your tyres before long journeys this festive season

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Traffic volumes on the busiest national roads increase to over 2000 vehicles per hour¹ during the festive season when many people travel long distances to visit family or enjoy a summer holiday away from home. The South African Tyre Manufacturers’ Conference (SATMC) urges all motorists to check their tyres and ensure their vehicles are safe before starting their journey.

“The number of road accidents over the festive season last year was disturbing, especially because so many fatalities are preventable,” said SATMC CEO Dr Etienne Human.

According to the Ministry of Transport², between 1 December 2013 and 6 January 2014 there were 1147 crashes and 1376 fatalities on South African roads. KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng’s roads were the most dangerous with 284 and 268 fatalities respectively. Accidents were caused by un-roadworthy vehicles, drunk driving, speeding, driver fatigue, failure to wear seatbelts and unlicensed drivers.

“We can all play a role in reducing these statistics if we are responsible citizens and have respect for life. Every motorist should make an effort to protect themselves and their passengers by ensuring that their vehicle is roadworthy, starting by checking the condition of their tyres,” said Human.

Daily inspect the tyres of your vehicleby ensuring that there are no cuts, bulges, foreign objects or visible irregularities. Passenger car tyres should not have any damage or repairs on the sidewalls. If in doubt, rather replace the tyre. The tyre pressures should always be spot-on for the load and speed to be travelled.

To reduce the risk of sliding across the road, check tyre tread and replace tyres well before they reach the regulatory minimum depth of 1.00 mm. Tread wear indicators in the grooves of the tyres are a quick way of checking the tread depth. Maintain the correct tyre pressure and be sure not to overload your car according to your tyre and vehicle load limits.

Unchecked tyres can lead to flat tyres, tread detachment and tyre blowouts. Drivers lose control of their vehicle when their tyres fail and this can cause fatal road accidents costing thousands of Rands of damage.

“Nobody wants to delay their holiday or find themselves stuck on the roadside with problems. It makes sense to check your tyre quality before beginning your trip – it is one of the best and easiest ways to prevent an accident,” said Human. The benefit of proper and regular tyre maintenance could also improve vehicle handling, fuel economy and extend the life of your tyres.

While regularly checking your tyres is recommended, the quality of the tyre is also important. “It is estimated that the majority of all tyre blow-outs can be attributed to defective second-hand tyres or improperly repaired tyres. You get what you pay for and oftentimes low cost and second-hand tyres do not constitute safety or quality,” warned Human.

Human provided motorists with another useful tyre preservation tip: “Speeding is one of the quickest ways to destroy your tyres. The tyres heat up and this means they are likely to wear down quickly or damage easily if you drive over a sharp object. SATMC advises against this kind of reckless behaviour and asks motorists to respect other road users and pedestrians by driving under the specified speed limit.”

For more information about the SATMC, visit www.satmc.co.za or email info@satmc.co..za.

Also view:

Tyre Safety and Road Safety

Check your tyres before long journeys this festive season

Winter tyres – what are they, and are they worth it?

We may have enjoyed a mild autumn, but make certain you aren’t caught unprepared should freezing weather strike.

Snow and icy roads make driving significantly far more challenging and, even if you drive slowly, it can be all also easy to skid out of control.

Winter tyres can really assist in wintry circumstances, as they are created to perform in temperatures lower than 7 degrees Celsius. They appear fairly considerably like any other sort of tyre, but the large distinction is that they have more all-natural rubber than standard tyres.

Get a grip

This indicates they can nevertheless remain supple even in freezing situations, which makes it possible for them to grip the road far better than normal tyres that harden in colder weather.

The tread on winter tyres is various, as well. They are covered in more tiny channels than standard tyres to assist displace water far more swiftly and to give greater traction in the snow.

The larger channels on typical tyres can quickly grow to be packed with snow, creating it really feel as although you are skating on an ice rink.

Despite the fact that winter tyres do not come cheap – it’ll normally expense you around £300-£350 for a set of 4 winter tyres for a Ford Fiesta, and the expense escalates for larger vehicles – they will usually final for around 2 or 3 winters .

Remember also that employing them also assists conserve your summer tyres for longer, as you will not be utilizing them all year round.

Country life

If you reside in the country and travel on roads that are not generally gritted in cold climate, then it tends to make sense to invest in winter tyres for your vehicle so you can nevertheless drive in snowy situations. If you do not, then you threat becoming efficiently housebound until the snow and ice thaws.

If you do match winter tyres, it’s worth informing your insurer, as some will take into account these a modification which could have an influence on your premiums.

If you reside in an urban location, exactly where roads are routinely gritted in winter and public transport is readily obtainable if you choose not to drive, shelling out for winter tyres is unlikely to be worth the expense.

A spokesman for the AA stated: “It could be tougher to justify the cost (in an urban atmosphere), though this has to be a individual decision depending on the threat of undesirable weather, your self-confidence when driving and how much you have to drive when snow and ice are about.”

If you opt not to fit winter tyres, you need to nonetheless often check your tyres in preparation for winter. You want to be particular the tread is not worn, as this will make you more most likely to skid on icy roads.

20-20 vision

The tread should be at least 1.6mm deep to satisfy legal needs, but at least 3mm is suggested for winter. Insert a 20 pence piece into the tread – if you can see the perimeter edging on the coin, you want to place the funds towards new tyres.

While you are in upkeep mode, check the oil level, anti-freeze and hazard lights as well.

Wherever you reside, you can further shield your self this winter by ensuring that you have extensive breakdown cover in location so that you aren’t left shivering at the roadside if something goes wrong.

Kit automobile

Kevin Pratt, of MoneySuperMarket, stated: “We urge all drivers to take out complete breakdown policies, but it’s also essential to be prepared for the worst case scenario of a lengthy wait in the cold. In extreme climate events, emergency breakdown cover can be stretched thin, and waiting times lengthened.

“We recommend all motorists carry an emergency breakdown kit, with charged-up phone, shovel, blankets, bottled water and sufficient snacks to see you by way of till you are on the move again.”

Winter tyres – what are they, and are they worth it?

Winter tyres – what are they, and are they worth it?

We might have enjoyed a mild autumn, but make positive you aren’t caught unprepared must freezing climate strike.

Snow and icy roads make driving significantly a lot more challenging and, even if you drive gradually, it can be all as well simple to skid out of control.

Winter tyres can really support in wintry conditions, as they are created to perform in temperatures decrease than 7 degrees Celsius. They appear pretty a lot like any other sort of tyre, but the big distinction is that they have far more natural rubber than normal tyres.

Get a grip

This signifies they can still stay supple even in freezing circumstances, which permits them to grip the road greater than typical tyres that harden in colder climate.

The tread on winter tyres is diverse, too. They are covered in far more tiny channels than standard tyres to support displace water much more swiftly and to give greater traction in the snow.

The bigger channels on normal tyres can rapidly become packed with snow, creating it really feel as though you’re skating on an ice rink.

Even though winter tyres do not come low-cost – it’ll normally cost you about £300-£350 for a set of 4 winter tyres for a Ford Fiesta, and the expense escalates for bigger vehicles – they will usually last for about 2 or 3 winters .

Bear in mind also that employing them also helps conserve your summer time tyres for longer, as you will not be using them all year round.

Nation life

If you live in the country and travel on roads that are not typically gritted in cold weather, then it tends to make sense to invest in winter tyres for your car so you can still drive in snowy conditions. If you do not, then you threat being successfully housebound till the snow and ice thaws.

If you do fit winter tyres, it’s worth informing your insurer, as some will take into account these a modification which could have an effect on your premiums.

If you live in an urban area, where roads are routinely gritted in winter and public transport is readily accessible if you choose not to drive, shelling out for winter tyres is unlikely to be worth the expense.

A spokesman for the AA stated: “It might be harder to justify the expense (in an urban environment), though this has to be a private choice depending on the risk of poor climate, your self-confidence when driving and how a lot you have to drive when snow and ice are around.”

If you opt not to match winter tyres, you need to nevertheless often verify your tyres in preparation for winter. You need to have to be specific the tread isn’t worn, as this will make you much more most likely to skid on icy roads.

20-20 vision

The tread need to be at least 1.6mm deep to satisfy legal requirements, but at least 3mm is advised for winter. Insert a 20 pence piece into the tread – if you can see the perimeter edging on the coin, you need to have to place the cash towards new tyres.

Although you are in maintenance mode, verify the oil level, anti-freeze and hazard lights too.

Wherever you reside, you can further defend oneself this winter by making sure that you have comprehensive breakdown cover in location so that you aren’t left shivering at the roadside if one thing goes incorrect.

Kit vehicle

Kevin Pratt, of MoneySuperMarket, said: “We urge all drivers to take out complete breakdown policies, but it’s also essential to be ready for the worst case situation of a extended wait in the cold. In extreme weather events, emergency breakdown cover can be stretched thin, and waiting instances lengthened.

“We advise all motorists carry an emergency breakdown kit, with charged-up phone, shovel, blankets, bottled water and enough snacks to see you by means of till you are on the move once again.”

Winter tyres – what are they, and are they worth it?

What does Regulation 212 stipulate about legally required tread depth of tyres?

Regulation 212. Tyres

No person shall operate on a public road -

(a) a motor vehicle, other than a tractor or trailer, which is equipped with a metal tyre;
(b) a tractor or trailer, other than an animal-drawn vehicle, which is equipped with a metal tyre of less than 130 millimetres in width;
Prepared by: In partnership with:Page 234 of 378
(c) an animal-drawn vehicle which is equipped with a metal tyre less than 40 millimetres in width;
(d) a vehicle which is equipped with a metal tyre unless the whole width of the tread of the tyre is at all times in direct contact with the surface of the road;
(e) a vehicle which is equipped with a tyre which is in such a state of disrepair or in such a  condition that it may cause or is likely to cause damage to the road surface or may be or is likely
to be a danger;
(f) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a pneumatic tyre of which the rubber covering is so worn  or damaged that the fabric or cord used in the construction of such tyre is exposed;
(g) a motor vehicle of which a tyre is so constructed and fitted that the metal part of the wheel to which such tyre is fitted may come into contact with the road surface;
(h) a motor cycle which is equipped with a retreaded tyre;
(i) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a regrooved tyre having a bead diameter of 430  millimetres or less;
(j) a motor vehicle -
(i) which is fitted with a pneumatic tyre unless such tyre displays throughout, across its breadth and around its entire circumference, a pattern which is clearly visible, and has a tread of at least one millimetre in depth; or
(ii) which is fitted with a pneumatic tyre which contains a tyre tread depth indicator, if the  tread is level with the tyre tread depth indicator:

Provided that this paragraph shall not apply in respect of a motor cycle with an engine which  has a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimetres, or a trailer drawn by a tractor at a speed not exceeding 40 km/h;
(Regulation 212(j) amended by regulation 42(a) of General Notice 2116 of 2001)
(Regulation 212(j) amended by regulation 29(e) of Government Notice R404 of 2007)
(k) a motor cycle with an engine having a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimetres, which is fitted with a pneumatic tyre which does not at any position on the tread thereof have a visible tread pattern over at least 80 percent of the full width of the tread;
(l) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a pneumatic tyre which has a break in its fabric or which has a cut, measured in any direction on the outside of the tyre and of such depth that it reaches
Prepared by: In partnership with:Page 235 of 378 the cords used in the construction of such tyre, in excess of 25 millimetres or 10 percent of the maximum width of the tyre, whichever is the greater;
(Regulation 212(l) amended by regulation 7(a) of Government Notice R871 of 2005, as revoked and replaced by regulation 7(a) of Government Notice R891 of 2006)
(m) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a pneumatic tyre which has a lump or bulge caused by the separation of or a partial break in its structure.
(n) A minibus, midibus, or bus operating in terms of an operating licence issued in accordance with the provisions of the NLTTA, unless such minibus, midibus or bus is fitted with commercial steel
radial tyres;
(Regulation 212(n) added by regulation 7(b) of Government Notice R871 of 2005, as revoked and replaced by regulation 7(b) of Government Notice R891 of 2006)
(o) A minibus, midibus or bus operating in terms of an operating licence issued in accordance with the provisions of the NLTTA unless such minibus, midibus or bus is fitted with a vehicle directional stability control devise [sic].
(Regulation 212(o) added by regulation 7(b) of Government Notice R871 of 2005, as revoked and replaced by regulation 7(b) of Government Notice R891 of 2006 with effect from a date published by the Minister by
Notice in the Gazette)
(Regulation 212(o) substituted by regulation 15 of Government Notice R589 of 2009 with effect from a date to be determined by the Minister by notice in the Gazette)

Also view:

Tyre Safety and Road Safety

What does Regulation 212 stipulate about legally required tread depth of tyres?

What does Regulation 212 stipulate about legally required tread depth of tyres?

Regulation 212. Tyres

No person shall operate on a public road -

(a) a motor vehicle, other than a tractor or trailer, which is equipped with a metal tyre;
(b) a tractor or trailer, other than an animal-drawn vehicle, which is equipped with a metal tyre of less than 130 millimetres in width;
Prepared by: In partnership with:Page 234 of 378
(c) an animal-drawn vehicle which is equipped with a metal tyre less than 40 millimetres in width;
(d) a vehicle which is equipped with a metal tyre unless the whole width of the tread of the tyre is at all times in direct contact with the surface of the road;
(e) a vehicle which is equipped with a tyre which is in such a state of disrepair or in such a  condition that it may cause or is likely to cause damage to the road surface or may be or is likely
to be a danger;
(f) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a pneumatic tyre of which the rubber covering is so worn  or damaged that the fabric or cord used in the construction of such tyre is exposed;
(g) a motor vehicle of which a tyre is so constructed and fitted that the metal part of the wheel to which such tyre is fitted may come into contact with the road surface;
(h) a motor cycle which is equipped with a retreaded tyre;
(i) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a regrooved tyre having a bead diameter of 430  millimetres or less;
(j) a motor vehicle -
(i) which is fitted with a pneumatic tyre unless such tyre displays throughout, across its breadth and around its entire circumference, a pattern which is clearly visible, and has a tread of at least one millimetre in depth; or
(ii) which is fitted with a pneumatic tyre which contains a tyre tread depth indicator, if the  tread is level with the tyre tread depth indicator:

Provided that this paragraph shall not apply in respect of a motor cycle with an engine which  has a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimetres, or a trailer drawn by a tractor at a speed not exceeding 40 km/h;
(Regulation 212(j) amended by regulation 42(a) of General Notice 2116 of 2001)
(Regulation 212(j) amended by regulation 29(e) of Government Notice R404 of 2007)
(k) a motor cycle with an engine having a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimetres, which is fitted with a pneumatic tyre which does not at any position on the tread thereof have a visible tread pattern over at least 80 percent of the full width of the tread;
(l) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a pneumatic tyre which has a break in its fabric or which has a cut, measured in any direction on the outside of the tyre and of such depth that it reaches
Prepared by: In partnership with:Page 235 of 378 the cords used in the construction of such tyre, in excess of 25 millimetres or 10 percent of the maximum width of the tyre, whichever is the greater;
(Regulation 212(l) amended by regulation 7(a) of Government Notice R871 of 2005, as revoked and replaced by regulation 7(a) of Government Notice R891 of 2006)
(m) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a pneumatic tyre which has a lump or bulge caused by the separation of or a partial break in its structure.
(n) A minibus, midibus, or bus operating in terms of an operating licence issued in accordance with the provisions of the NLTTA, unless such minibus, midibus or bus is fitted with commercial steel
radial tyres;
(Regulation 212(n) added by regulation 7(b) of Government Notice R871 of 2005, as revoked and replaced by regulation 7(b) of Government Notice R891 of 2006)
(o) A minibus, midibus or bus operating in terms of an operating licence issued in accordance with the provisions of the NLTTA unless such minibus, midibus or bus is fitted with a vehicle directional stability control devise [sic].
(Regulation 212(o) added by regulation 7(b) of Government Notice R871 of 2005, as revoked and replaced by regulation 7(b) of Government Notice R891 of 2006 with effect from a date published by the Minister by
Notice in the Gazette)
(Regulation 212(o) substituted by regulation 15 of Government Notice R589 of 2009 with effect from a date to be determined by the Minister by notice in the Gazette)

Also view:

Tyre Safety and Road Safety

What does Regulation 212 stipulate about legally required tread depth of tyres?

South African Made Tyres Tread Deep

The continued increase of cheap tyres being ‘dumped’ from Far East Countries like China into South Africa through customs under-declarations, lack of service delivery, high electricity costs, increasing transport costs and the huge waste tyre fees have recently shed light on the challenges facing the 5 South African tyre manufactures*.

There are also additional issues such as one-sided labour laws and custom, the pending carbon tax, the high cost of tooling imports due to the weak Rand and reduced productivity that influence local manufacturing. But what is the true state of the industry?

Despite many challenges, the local tyre manufactures have been operating successfully, some for over 85 years, contributing close to R20 billion to the South African economy annually and providing decent direct jobs to at least 6,500 people nationally.

It is further a key contributor to the provincial economies including the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal and the North West Province through its production of tyres for highway use, agriculture, mining and industries. Therefore the sustainability of this manufacturing industry is vital for the real growth of the South African economy, as approximately 32,000 indirect jobs benefit from the operations.

Manufacturing in SA is what really drives the economy.

In response to current challenges, the South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC) is advocating for the maintenance of industry standards geared towards protecting human health and safety, conserving the business environment and fair trade based on reliable measurements to counteract the unbalanced market.

“The South African tyre market is fiercely competitive with many suppliers and a shrinking pool of customers due to the economy being basically in recession,” says Dr Etienne Human, Chief Executive Officer of SATMC. “South Africa is seen as a springboard to sub-Saharan Africa and is therefore a popular market for exporters, especially from the Far East, wanting to expand.”

As the expert voice of the South African tyre industry, the SATMC is changing gears, working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (dti), the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) to stimulate a fair trade base. Work is also progressing with the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) to rectify the extended producer responsibility issues and costs regarding waste tyres in SA.

“In order to be efficient an average of only 14% of all tyre volumes on offer by the 5 local tyre manufacturers in South Africa are imported from their international companies. This allows for longer production runs of the large volume items in the local tyre factories leading to improved quality and lower costs,” says Human.

“Over 85 years South Africa has developed an established tyre manufacturing base that has shown its resilience and potential to compete in the global market,” says Human. “Similar to what is happening in the USA, South Africa is also dealing with Chinese tyre dumping and wanting to restore even playing fields. The SATMC does not want to create barriers to entry for reputable competing manufacturers, but are rather aiming to promote a healthy competitive market based on sound standards and practices.”

By creating an equal playing field, the SATMC aims to create a bigger demand for tyres designed and manufactured for local conditions, which will stimulate South Africa’;s economic growth, will prevent job losses and will help to create more service provider opportunities to the factories.

“Locally manufactured tyres are specifically designed for the South African road and climate conditions, which make them safer and more durable. Very few items are as tough as a tyre dealing with what it has to endure on our roads,” says Human.

A big concern is also the huge number of passenger casings imported into South Africa every month. Although these tyres are by law required to be retreaded only, the majority of these tyre casing never see a retreading factory and are believed to be sold as second-hand tyres, many without proper inspections, to the unsuspecting public. ITAC Import-Export Control, a division of the dti, is to control the import permits issued only to operating retreaders.

“Unroadworthy second-hand tyres are the cause of unnecessary deaths on the road,” says Human. “It is estimated that the majority of all tyre blow outs can be attributed to defective second hand tyres fitted or tyres improperly repaired.

“It is an art to make a tyre that complies with such strict international specifications. Tyre builders are experts in what they do and have been trained over many years. The cost today to establish a tyre factory will exceed R1 billion with annual upgrades of around R100 million per annum to keep up with developments. Trends in the Western world indicate that once a tyre factory closes it will never open up again”.

The SATMC made a recent calculation and found that in generic terms, the cost increases mentioned in the introductory paragraph, far exceed all the incentives government endeavours to assist the industries. A good example is the waste tyre fees to fund an elaborate system that was instituted without involving the entire tyre industry. In the end it is reducing the viability of factories and straining the consumer who ultimately foots the bill without solving the real issues of job sustainability and creation.

For more information about the SATMC, see www.satmc.co.za or email to info@satmc.co.za.

*The South African tyre manufacturers are Apollo (formally Dunlop), Bridgestone, Continental, Sumitomo and Goodyear.

Also view:

Tyre Safety and Road Safety

South African Made Tyres Tread Deep

Tread meticulously – how to take care of your tyres

 Dead tyres by vagawi is licensed under BY CC 2.0 

You probably don’t regularly check your car tyres.

Well, actually, you might do it with religious fervour for all I know, but my guess would be that you probably don’t.

I mean, even with the best will in the world, it’s going to slip ever further down the to-do list for most of us…

But figures just released by the Department for Transport might just make you change your mind about this particular aspect of vehicle maintenance.

Final third

Did you know, for example, that out of a total of 2,855 casualties caused by defective vehicles in 2013, dangerous tyres were cited as a contributory factor in 968 cases, or one third?

Worse, out of 43 deaths on the road from vehicle defects, 18 were caused by illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres – that’s more than 40%.

Nearly half of the tyre-related casualties were on A-roads and the highest number was recorded in the south east of England, accounting for 23%.

Check mates

The figures are timely because October is Tyre Safety Month, when thousands of garages and tyre retailers across the UK will be offering free tyre safety checks.

So it’s as good a time as any to make sure your tyres are up to scratch. Which means…

• your tyres should be the correct size and type for your vehicle – check your manual


• they should also be in good shape, so use your common sense: no tears, gouges, scars, lumps or other characteristics that make you go “What the…?”


• they should also be pumped up to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure – and checked every couple of weeks. You’ll find the numbers in your manual, and there’ll probably be a chart at the airpump on the forecourt


• always check the pressure when the tyres are cold and make sure you modify the pressure if you are carrying an unusually heavy load


• depending on your car, you might also need to adjust your pressure according to the time of year (as air pressure changes according to the ambient temperature)


• the details of the correct pressure are usually found in the handbook or inside the petrol flap. Alternatively, you can search on websites such as www.kwik-fit.com.

Pressure points

There are several reasons why the correct tyre pressure is important.

First, it can lengthen the life of your tyres, no bad thing when you consider the cost.

Next up the right tyre pressure can also improve road handling and fuel economy.

Get a grip

You then need to get to grips with the tyre tread.

The law requires car drivers to have at least 1.6mm of tread depth on their tyres, although you should ideally replace the tyres before the tread gets too worn down.

A car with a 1.6 mm tread will stop 8 metres after a car with a tread of 3mm travelling at 50 mph in wet weather – and that 8 metres could save a life.

Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, the organisation behind the October check-up campaign, says: “Driving on safe and legal tyres is important all year round, but especially so as we approach the winter months.

“Without adequate tread depth your tyres will not be able to cope properly on wet roads, and if we have a repeat of last year’s record levels of rainfall, we could well see even more needless tyre-related injuries which could have been easily avoided.”

Run for cover

If you drive with defective tyres, you could invalidate your insurance. It would not then pay out in the event of a claim.

Plus, you risk a fine and penalty points if you don’t look after your tyres. Anyone with defective or illegal tyres can be issued with a fixed penalty notice.

In the worst case scenario, you could end up a court with a possible fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points.

Depth charges

The 20p test is a quick and easy way to check your tyre tread. Simply insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of the tyre. If the outer rim of the 20p coin is obscured, then the tread is above the legal minimum depth.

If you can see the outer edge of the coin, the tyre is possibly unsafe or illegal and should be inspected by a tyre professional immediately.

Spare a thought…

When it comes to your spare tyre, you don’t actually have to carry a one in your car – and if you do, it doesn’t have to meet the legal standards when it is stowed away.

However, if you want the fall-back of using your spare tyre in an emergency, perhaps following a puncture, it’s a good idea to check it regularly so that you know it will be roadworthy if and when you need it.

Some vehicles are fitted with mini spares, which are designed to take up less room in the boot. Beware though, as they are not intended to be driven for long periods or at high speeds.

Seasonal produce

Winter tyres are designed specifically for use in low temperatures and can improve road safety. However, there is no legal requirement to fit winter tyres in the UK.

Snow chains are another option if you live in rural areas. Watch this space for more info on driving in winter over the coming weeks.

If you want a free tyre check during Tyre Safety Month, you can find your nearest participating centre by visiting www.tyresafe.org

Tread meticulously – how to take care of your tyres

Tread cautiously – how to take care of your tyres

 Dead tyres by vagawi is licensed under BY CC 2.0 

You probably don’t regularly check your car tyres.

Well, actually, you might do it with religious fervour for all I know, but my guess would be that you probably don’t.

I mean, even with the best will in the world, it’s going to slip ever further down the to-do list for most of us…

But figures just released by the Department for Transport might just make you change your mind about this particular aspect of vehicle maintenance.

Final third

Did you know, for example, that out of a total of 2,855 casualties caused by defective vehicles in 2013, dangerous tyres were cited as a contributory factor in 968 cases, or one third?

Worse, out of 43 deaths on the road from vehicle defects, 18 were caused by illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres – that’s more than 40%.

Nearly half of the tyre-related casualties were on A-roads and the highest number was recorded in the south east of England, accounting for 23%.

Check mates

The figures are timely because October is Tyre Safety Month, when thousands of garages and tyre retailers across the UK will be offering free tyre safety checks.

So it’s as good a time as any to make sure your tyres are up to scratch. Which means…

• your tyres should be the correct size and type for your vehicle – check your manual


• they should also be in good shape, so use your common sense: no tears, gouges, scars, lumps or other characteristics that make you go “What the…?”


• they should also be pumped up to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure – and checked every couple of weeks. You’ll find the numbers in your manual, and there’ll probably be a chart at the airpump on the forecourt


• always check the pressure when the tyres are cold and make sure you modify the pressure if you are carrying an unusually heavy load


• depending on your car, you might also need to adjust your pressure according to the time of year (as air pressure changes according to the ambient temperature)


• the details of the correct pressure are usually found in the handbook or inside the petrol flap. Alternatively, you can search on websites such as www.kwik-fit.com.

Pressure points

There are several reasons why the correct tyre pressure is important.

First, it can lengthen the life of your tyres, no bad thing when you consider the cost.

Next up the right tyre pressure can also improve road handling and fuel economy.

Get a grip

You then need to get to grips with the tyre tread.

The law requires car drivers to have at least 1.6mm of tread depth on their tyres, although you should ideally replace the tyres before the tread gets too worn down.

A car with a 1.6 mm tread will stop 8 metres after a car with a tread of 3mm travelling at 50 mph in wet weather – and that 8 metres could save a life.

Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, the organisation behind the October check-up campaign, says: “Driving on safe and legal tyres is important all year round, but especially so as we approach the winter months.

“Without adequate tread depth your tyres will not be able to cope properly on wet roads, and if we have a repeat of last year’s record levels of rainfall, we could well see even more needless tyre-related injuries which could have been easily avoided.”

Run for cover

If you drive with defective tyres, you could invalidate your insurance. It would not then pay out in the event of a claim.

Plus, you risk a fine and penalty points if you don’t look after your tyres. Anyone with defective or illegal tyres can be issued with a fixed penalty notice.

In the worst case scenario, you could end up a court with a possible fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points.

Depth charges

The 20p test is a quick and easy way to check your tyre tread. Simply insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of the tyre. If the outer rim of the 20p coin is obscured, then the tread is above the legal minimum depth.

If you can see the outer edge of the coin, the tyre is possibly unsafe or illegal and should be inspected by a tyre professional immediately.

Spare a thought…

When it comes to your spare tyre, you don’t actually have to carry a one in your car – and if you do, it doesn’t have to meet the legal standards when it is stowed away.

However, if you want the fall-back of using your spare tyre in an emergency, perhaps following a puncture, it’s a good idea to check it regularly so that you know it will be roadworthy if and when you need it.

Some vehicles are fitted with mini spares, which are designed to take up less room in the boot. Beware though, as they are not intended to be driven for long periods or at high speeds.

Seasonal produce

Winter tyres are designed specifically for use in low temperatures and can improve road safety. However, there is no legal requirement to fit winter tyres in the UK.

Snow chains are another option if you live in rural areas. Watch this space for more info on driving in winter over the coming weeks.

If you want a free tyre check during Tyre Safety Month, you can find your nearest participating centre by visiting www.tyresafe.org

Tread cautiously – how to take care of your tyres

How safe are your car’s tyres? MiWay offers a checklist for maintenance tips

Keeping safe on the road is not only about being an alert and cautious driver, it is also about making sure that your car is always in tip-top condition. An essential part of that is ensuring that your tyres are in a roadworthy condition – after all, the tyres are the point of contact between your vehicle and the road. Worn tyres reduce the performance of your car and low tread depths decrease the effectiveness of braking, steering, and even accelerating – all of which are important in staying safe on the road. Moreover, in wet weather, tread depth plays a crucial role in dispersing water to maintain a good grip.

Checklist for tyres

Tyres should be inspected on a regular basis. Here are some of the most important things to look out for:

• Check for punctures, penetrations, cuts and bulges.

• Cuts in the tyre could allow moisture to reach the casing plies. This is harmful for both textile and steel casings and will affect safety and tyre life.


• Uneven tyre wear is a sign that wheel alignment needs attention.


• Inner and outer edge wear. If both inner and outer edges are worn, it can suggest that the tyres have been run at a pressure which is too low at normal speeds.


• Irregular bald spot, also known as cupping – is usually caused by worn shock absorbers, a worn suspension, or even loose wheel bearings.


• Missing valve caps should be replaced, since they are there to prevent dirt from clogging the valves, which could cause loss in air pressure.


• Tighten wheel studs/nuts to the correct torque setting when mounting new tyres – also check for loose or missing wheel nuts.


• Check tread depth on all tyres and replace well before they reach the regulatory minimum depth of 1.00 mm.

Tyre pressure

Over or under inflation reduces the contact between the tyre and the road and also shortens the lifespan of your tyres. Make sure tyres are always inflated to the right pressure for your car. If you are not sure, check the Owner’s Manual or the display on the driver’s door side panel.

Don’t forget to also check that your spare wheel is in good shape, too, including a properly inflated tyre and that you have the correct tools to replace it. You never know when you might need it!

Maintaining your car’s tyres

• Make sure the size and speed/loading ratings of your tyres conform to the specifications in the Owner’s Manual.


• Check tyres and rims for any accidental damage after impacting with potholes/curb stones or other obstacles in the road.


• Be sure to have your tyres, brakes, shock absorbers and rims checked when servicing the car.


• Car wheel alignment should be tested at regular intervals to obtain even tread wear and maximise lifespan of tyres.

Safety tip: If a tyre bursts, do not apply the brakes, rather use the gears to slow down the car. A sudden change in direction or braking on a flat tyre can result in loss of control. Rather risk losing one wheel than damaging more of your car!

Spare wheel safety

Your spare wheel is only designed to be a temporary solution and should never be a permanent replacement for regular wheels.

Remember, the 4 tyres on your car are some of the most important components on the vehicle and the only point of contact between you and the road. Always refer to the owner’s manual for all tyre pressure specifications and other related information. If you suspect any damage to the tyres – consult a tyre expert!

For more information on car insurance, visit www.miway.co.za

[By Rory Judd, MiWay head of online marketing]

MiWay is an Authorised Financial Services Provider (Licence no: 33970)

 Road Safety and Tyre Safety

How safe are your car’s tyres? MiWay offers a checklist for maintenance tips

Wind of change blows for auto tyres

Motorists could soon bid bye-bye to blow outs and ta-ta to tyre adjustments as producers develop the airless tyre.

Pneumatic drill

It sounds improbable but a replacement for the pneumatic tyre has been several years in development. In reality, some off road automobiles already use airless tyres.

The military have also tested the new-age wheels. So it most likely will not be long before the likes of you and me will match airless tyres to our own automobiles in a move that could revolutionise the motor industry.

Manufacturing giants Michelin and Bridgestone have both developed airless tryes. So has Polaris, an American firm that specialises in all-terrain cars.

Yet another fine mesh

The Polaris airless tyre is created up of a hexagonal honeycomb mesh surrounded by a rubber tread and looks like some thing out of Terminator.

It is not only puncture-proof, but Polaris claims it is also quieter and gives a smoother ride, especially over rough terrain, thanks to its greater shock absorption.

It is named the TerrainArmor. And if it occurs to be hit by a .50 caliber bullet travelling at the speed of sound, it will hold rolling for 350 miles.

I can believe of a couple of neighbourhoods exactly where that may possibly come in useful…

Bridge of sighs

Bridgestone’s initial generation airless tyre came out in 2011, but its capability was limited, with a maximum load bearing weight of just 220 lbs and a prime speed of 3.7 mph.

The firm unveiled its second generation tyre at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2013 – and it’s a lot more viable.

Spokes of thermoplastic resin help the rubber tread and can bear weights up to 904 lbs and travel at speeds of 37 mph.

It is environmentally friendly, also, as the materials utilized in the manufacture of the air-free tyre are totally recyclable.

Wheel of fortune?

Michelin’s version of the airless tyre created its debut in the nineties.

The firm won plaudits for the design and style, but not for the name – Tweel, a rather cheesy mixture of tyre and wheel.

The Tweel went on sale in 2012, but as yet is only available for industrial autos.

Hit the road, jack

There’s lots to like about airless tyres. For a start off, they get rid of the need to have to get out the jack at the side of the road to change the wheel soon after a puncture.

They also guarantee a smoother ride, environmental benefits and a lengthy lifespan.

Inflationary pressures

But they are not but ready to hit the road, so to speak.

There’s the price tag tag for one point. Airless tyres price about £700 a piece, which is most likely beyond the monetary reach of the typical motorist.

Sting in the tale

The police might also have a issue with air-totally free tyres.

You know these spike strips or stingers they lay across the road to stop criminals in their tracks? Effectively they wouldn’t have a hope of stopping a car equipped with airless tyres.

So while they may have all manner of benefits, they might not truly be street legal. So don’t hold your breath.

Wind of change blows for auto tyres

Wind of adjust blows for automobile tyres

Motorists could soon bid bye-bye to blow outs and ta-ta to tyre adjustments as companies create the airless tyre.

Pneumatic drill

It sounds improbable but a replacement for the pneumatic tyre has been numerous years in development. In reality, some off road vehicles already use airless tyres.

The military have also tested the new-age wheels. So it almost certainly won’t be long before the likes of you and me will match airless tyres to our personal automobiles in a move that could revolutionise the motor market.

Manufacturing giants Michelin and Bridgestone have both created airless tryes. So has Polaris, an American firm that specialises in all-terrain vehicles.

Yet another fine mesh

The Polaris airless tyre is made up of a hexagonal honeycomb mesh surrounded by a rubber tread and appears like something out of Terminator.

It is not only puncture-proof, but Polaris claims it is also quieter and provides a smoother ride, specifically more than rough terrain, thanks to its greater shock absorption.

It is referred to as the TerrainArmor. And if it occurs to be hit by a .50 caliber bullet travelling at the speed of sound, it will preserve rolling for 350 miles.

I can feel of a couple of neighbourhoods exactly where that may possibly come in useful…

Bridge of sighs

Bridgestone’s 1st generation airless tyre came out in 2011, but its capability was restricted, with a maximum load bearing weight of just 220 lbs and a leading speed of 3.7 mph.

The firm unveiled its second generation tyre at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2013 – and it is a lot far more viable.

Spokes of thermoplastic resin support the rubber tread and can bear weights up to 904 lbs and travel at speeds of 37 mph.

It is environmentally friendly, also, as the materials used in the manufacture of the air-free of charge tyre are completely recyclable.

Wheel of fortune?

Michelin’s version of the airless tyre produced its debut in the nineties.

The firm won plaudits for the style, but not for the name – Tweel, a rather cheesy combination of tyre and wheel.

The Tweel went on sale in 2012, but as but is only available for industrial cars.

Hit the road, jack

There’s lots to like about airless tyres. For a begin, they eliminate the need to have to get out the jack at the side of the road to adjust the wheel following a puncture.

They also guarantee a smoother ride, environmental benefits and a lengthy lifespan.

Inflationary pressures

But they are not yet ready to hit the road, so to speak.

There’s the price tag tag for one factor. Airless tyres cost about £700 a piece, which is possibly beyond the financial reach of the typical motorist.

Sting in the tale

The police may also have a issue with air-totally free tyres.

You know those spike strips or stingers they lay across the road to cease criminals in their tracks? Nicely they wouldn’t have a hope of stopping a automobile equipped with airless tyres.

So although they may have all manner of advantages, they may not actually be street legal. So do not hold your breath.

Wind of adjust blows for automobile tyres