Every time that you get behind the wheel with kids in the back there are some safety precautions that you take as part of your routine, probably without ever thinking about them. Checking that children are strapped in behind seat belts, or in the appropriate booster seats, becomes second nature after a while. Likewise, ensuring that there aren’t lots of toys which aren’t stowed away properly in the back is something that most of us do – just in case we have to hit the brakes hard when they could come flying forwards. Nevertheless, there are some safety measures which are even more important for the occupants of a family car which we tend not to think about as often, perhaps just once a year when it comes to an MOT. One of these is whether or not the car’s tyres have become worn over the last few thousand miles. It is always worth bearing in mind how important the tread of your tyres are for good road grip and the contribution that – along with your brakes – they make to bring your car to a halt in the event of a road hazard. Keep you and your family safe! Check your tyres.
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The Legal Requirements
Good tyre tread is not just about being legal. The tread is designed to provide good traction, especially in wet conditions. Hydroplaning can happen when a vehicle progresses through puddles or standing water on the road. Good tyre tread disperses the water so that traction with the road’s surface is maintained for longer periods, even if the water is deeper than expected. If you hit the road in worn tyres when it is raining, then the chances of skidding and hydroplaning are increased. Loss of control of a car, with your family on board, is terrifying – particularly if your visibility is reduced due to poor weather. One of the best things that you can do to avoid this is to fit high quality tyres.
I think checking our tyres is definitely something we don’t do often enough! x
Hi i am glad that you put a bit in about hydroplaning, this has become a forgotten point when driving in the wet on bald tyres, thanks for that eric roberts http://www.pellonautocentre.com/blog