Check tyres 'to avoid Easter roadside misery'

Date: 15/4/2011

With Easter fast approaching, Britons planning to hit the roads - whether for a holiday or to visit family and friends - are being advised to carefully check the condition of their tyres before they set out.

Such action could help people avoid spending hours waiting on the side of the road in the event that their wheels prove to be damaged, according to TyreSafe.

It notes that roads in the UK look set to be busier over this bank holiday period than they have been for several years - which could mean that in the event of a puncture motorists will have longer to wait for assistance.

The organisation recommends vehicle owners check that their tyres are fully inflated before setting out - as this can also help to improve fuel efficiency, in addition to avoiding accidents.

Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, says: "Many more motorists are likely to take to the road either heading away for a mini-break or day out. In many cases, this will mean that the car is loaded with additional passengers and luggage. This added weight makes it particularly important that drivers check their tyre pressure, condition and tread depth before setting out."

In many cases, car manufacturers include details in their manuals about the different pressures required depending on whether a car is heavily laden or not.

Motorcyclists were also recently urged by the group to check their tyres before taking their vehicle out for a ride, particularly if they have not been used since before the winter.

Posted by Sarah Bailey