Take the 20p tyre test to stay safe and legal on the roads
As part of National Tyre Safety Month, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to carry out monthly tyre checks to make them safer on the roads. The 20p tyre test is really easy to do: just place a 20p coin in the main grooves of your tyre. If you can see the outer band of the 20p coin when it's placed in the tyre, then the tyres may be dangerous and illegal and should be inspected by a tyre professional. Throughout October, many local tyre retailers will be offering a free tyre safety check that includes a tyre pressure check.
Councillor Rodney Rose, the cabinet member with responsibility for Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“Without sufficient tread depth your tyres may not be able to cope properly and you face an increased risk of aquaplaning. If this has ever happened to you, you'll know what a frightening experience this can be as you have no control of the car.
“I’d encourage everyone to take the 20p tyre test which is such a simple way of checking if your tyres are illegal or not. Just think of the people you share your car with and other road users. Safe tyres with legal tread depth reduces the risks to you, your passengers and all road users.”
Free tyre health check events
Drivers are being offered safety advice and a FREE tyre health check to ensure their tyres have safe thread depth and that they are properly inflated during the month of October. Oxfordshire County Council’s road safety education team and firefighters will be out and about around the county, offering free tyre health checks, with support from local Tyre Safe partners.
- Oxford - Thursday 6th October at Toys R Us at Botley from 10am to 2pm
- Faringdon – Tuesday 11th October at Tesco’s from 10am to 2pm
- Kidlington – Wednesday 12th October at Sainsbury’s 9:30am to 12:30pm
- Banbury – Friday 14th October at Sainsbury’s from 9:30am to 12:30pm
- Thame – Tuesday 18th October at Town Hall from 10am to 2pm
- Abingdon – Wednesday 19th October at Tesco’s from 10am to 1pm.
The Tyre Safe partners supporting these events are: Merityres, Kwik-Fit and Micheldever Tyre and Auto Services.
Mick Clarke, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service Road Safety Manager said:
“Your tyres are the only thing connecting your car to the road and good grip is essential especially during the winter weather. If tyres are not roadworthy then they could make your vehicle slide and skid on wet roads, which can be a frightening and potentially dangerous experience. I would encourage all drivers to ACT on the following tyre check once a month: A is for air pressure; C is for condition and T is for tread. Checking these three things when doing tyre safety checks will keep you safe as well as anyone in your vehicle.”
Unable to attend any of the events?
It’s important to check tyres regularly because the tread grooves on your tyres influence the way your car accelerates, breaks and corners. Without sufficient tread depth and correct pressure, your tyres may not be able to grip the road properly and you face an increased risk of aquaplaning. TyreSafe members nationally are offering a free tyre health checks throughout the whole month, to find your local retailer visit http://www.tyresafe.org/