Pressure Washers Can Damage Tyre Sidewalls In Only 5 Seconds
Hand car wash teams have mushroomed dramatically in the UK over the past few years. Estimates suggest that there are between 5,000 to 10,000 two or three man teams up and down the country offering this service to motorists. However, TyreSafe - formerly the Tyre Industry Council, the UK’s leading tyre safety organisation - has issued a warning of a potential safety risk involving the equipment used by these groups that could lead to potential tyre failure.
There is growing evidence that pressure washers used by hand car wash providers can cause tyre damage unknown to most motorists and that they could be putting their own lives and that of their passengers and other road users at risk.
Heavy-duty pressure washer machines are capable of dispensing water at extremely high pressure and if aimed directly at the tyre, the jet can cause sidewall damage and degradation particularly if the water is heated or if the pressurised water is applied for an extended period.
According to a recent survey by TyreSafe, it was revealed that over 80% of drivers were unaware of the impact that pressure washing can have on their tyres and the danger posed.
I am surprised this figure is not higher as I would never have imagined the damage these pressure washers have. I often use this service especially when shopping and you get allocated a special parking bay - beats trying to find a normal parking bay - where by you come back from shopping and the car is gleaming. Except now it’s dangerous to drive.
Oh, well, back to the bucket and sponge. How quaint!
Jackie Violet