Drivers are urged to ensure their tyres are in good condition before roads become icy with winter frost or snow.

Rather than wait until the surface water turns Britain’s roads into a skid pan the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) are urging drivers to check their tyres are in top condition.

The vehicles of drivers at fault in high-speed accidents were found to be six times more likely to have worn tyres, and although tyres may be classed as legal they may not be at an optimum for braking safely in all conditions.

The current legal minimum tyre tread in the UK is 1.6mm, but if the depth is below 3mm it is recommended to look for replacement car parts.  Research has found tyres with less than 1mm of tread have one third the braking friction of one at the bare legal minimum of 1.6mm.

“Under-inflation causes excessive tyre-wear, with every ten percent under the recommended optimum decreasing tyre life by ten percent,” warned Peter Rodger, IAM chief examiner.

“Keeping your tyres maintained is an important part of car-care, not only for safety but also for fuel-economy; under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.”

When checking the condition of tyres drivers are advised to look first for any cuts and bumps and uneven wear.  It is then important to check they are correctly inflated, ideally when they are cold, and the recommended pressure is listed in the car’s handbook.

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It is important to ensure your car is in optimum condition for winter driving as minimal changes in tyre tread could mean the difference between stopping in time to prevent an accident, or not.

At 247 Spares we have the largest stock online of quality car tyres including a large range of tyres at discount prices for any vehicle.

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