Bridgestone safety tips for motorists as they prepare for Easter getaways

As the Great British nation counts down the days to a welcome Easter break, Bridgestone wants to remind motorists on some tips about tyre maintenance to ensure that journeys are completed as safely as possible.

Bridgestone want to offer some seasonal advice for motorists to follow ahead of any roadtrips to see family and friends over the Bank Holiday period, which is particularly pertinent ahead of long-distance journeys.

How to check your tyres:

Your tyres are the only contact point between your vehicle and the road. They perform a crucial safety roll in acceleration, braking, steering and stopping. Tyres must be in good condition, free from bumps, cuts and bulges. They must be maintained at the correct pressure and have sufficient tread to enable you to stop safety most especially in poor weather and road conditions. The law states the absolute minimum tread depth is 1.6mm of tread across a continuous band of ¾ of the tyre width, around the entire circumference. Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to £2,500 & three penalty points per tyre.

Try the 20p test!

Ideally, your tyre tread depth should be checked at least once a month at the same time that you check your tyre pressure.

Insert a 20p coin into the main tyre grooves at several places around the circumference of the tyre and across its width.

If the outer band of the 20p coin is visible whenever you check the tread, your tread depth may be illegal and you should have them checked by a specialist.

When checking your tread depth, give the rest of the tyres a visual inspection for any cuts or bulges and remove any stones or objects embedded in the tread.

A tread depth gauge is also good…

In accordance with the tread depth manufacturers operating instructions, place the gauge into the main tread grooves at several places around the circumference of the tyre and across its width.

If the gauge records a reading of less than 1.6mm in any location then as stated, the tyre may be illegal and you should get it replaced.

It is worth mentioning here that safety is reduced as tread depth decreases, so we’d advise you to give consideration to replacing your tyres well before they reach the legal minimum.

Further information can be found at the independent TyreSafe site  www.tyresafe.org/tyre-safety/tyre-safety-information/ should you need it.

Under pressure?

Like tread depths, tyre pressures should be checked at least once a month, or before long journeys, too.

Your tyre pressures should be checked against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level which can be found in the vehicle handbook and on a plate which is often located inside the fuel filler cap or on the driver’s door sill.

Some tips from us:

• Ensure a reliable and accurate gauge is used.
• Check the pressure when tyres are cold (i.e. when you have travelled less than two miles).
• If you are carrying a full load of passengers or luggage or will be towing a trailer or caravan, pressures should be increased in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Make sure you use the correct pressure scale for the gauge being used (I.E. Bar, PSI of KPa).
• Check the pressure in all four tyres not forgetting the spare as well.
• When checking pressures, give the rest of the tyre a visual inspection. Remove any stones or other objects embedded in the tread. Look out for any bulges, lumps or cuts, as you would when checking the tread depths.
• After checking your pressures, be sure to replace the valve cap.

Media information: For more information about this press release, or if you have any more questions, please call Ben Smallman at Ben Smallman PR on 07833 463195 or email ben@bensmallmanpr.com

About Bridgestone in Europe, Russia, Middle East, India and Africa:

Bridgestone in Europe, Russia, Middle East, India and Africa (BSEMIA), headquartered in Zaventem (Belgium), is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation. In addition to its premium tyre products, BSEMIA offers a growing portfolio of tyre-centric and mobility solutions, and serves its customers in an extensive retail network with thousands of touchpoints.

Together with its partners and guided by its global corporate social responsibility commitment, Our Way to Serve, Bridgestone is dedicated to shaping a sustainable future of mobility and improving how people move, live, work and play.

For more information about Bridgestone in EMIA, please visit www.bridgestone-emia.com and www.bridgestonenewsroom.eu. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.