Tread Carefully During Tyre Safety Month

October is National Tyre Safety Month and an Aberdeen van centre is urging drivers to stay safe on the road by regularly check their vehicle’s tyres. Volkswagen Van Service Centre (Aberdeen) has compiled a list of simple tasks for commercial vehicle drivers to carry out along with the safety risks with using illegal tyres on the region’s roads.

Current UK law states tyre tread on vehicles must be at a minimum of 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tread, around its entire circumference. Drivers found in breach of this law face a fine of up to £2500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre.

Matt Stewart, head of business at Volkswagen Van Service Centre Aberdeen said: “Tyre tread depths are vital when ensuring vehicle safety. We’re urging all motorists to make regular checks their tyres to help keep them safe while driving.“Commercial vehicles are particularly vulnerable as they are heavier than normal cars, and often carry loads.“The legal minimum is 1.6mm but in wet or icy conditions less than 3mm can lead to longer stopping distances and less stability."

CHECK LIST

Air Pressure – Check your air pressures once a month and before a long journey. Always refer to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure. Ensure a dirt-free valve cap is always fitted.

Condition of Tyres – Regularly check tyres for cuts and bulges and remove any stones from the tread. Look for signs of uneven tyre wear.

Tread Depth – Regularly check your tread depth by using a 20p coin. If the outer band of the coin is visible when inserted into the tyre tread grooves, the tyre may not have sufficient tread depth.Ensure you check the entire circumference of the tyre in a continuous band throughout the central three-quarters of the tread width.

Volkswagen Van Centre Aberdeen is also offering a free check on all Volkswagen commercial vehicles, as part of its 29-point Express Visual Check service.  The check can be booked directly with the service department and as well as tyre condition, it covers other vital areas including brakes, steering, lights and fluid levels such as water, oil, brake, coolant and battery.