Motoring
Motorists are being reminded to check their tyre pressures before setting off on long journeys this holiday period in order to avoid being stranded by the roadside.
Many families experience delays and inconvenience from tyre failures during the festive period, as tyres have not been correctly inflated to take account of extra passengers and luggage.
“Although fewer cars are on the road over the Christmas period, the number suffering from tyre related problems is alarming,†comments Rob Beddis, chairman, TyreSafe. “In many cases this is because drivers have not adjusted their tyre pressures to take account of the additional load being transported.â€
Keeping tyres correctly inflated is particularly important at this time of year as many families drive long distances carrying luggage for overnight stays and presents for relatives.
When laden cars are driven without corrections being made to tyre pressures, the chances of suffering a tyre blowout are greatly increased as excessive heat builds up inside the tyre causing it to fail spectacularly.
Vehicle manufacturers take account of this additional load and provide laden tyre pressure instructions in the vehicle handbook; inside the fuel filler cap or on the inner sill but too few motorists follow this advice.
Tyre pressures should be checked when the tyres are cold or when the vehicle has driven less than two miles.
Oh Shame. I guess that means the in-laws will have to stay at home!
Jackie Violet Female First