When it comes to car safety, your tyres play a critical
role. Proper tyre care not only enhances your vehicle's performance but also
ensures your safety on the road, and the safety of other road users.
If you drive with damaged or worn tyres, you not only put
yourself and others at risk but you also risk prosecution. In Ireland, there
are over 50 different fixed charge penalty notices for tyre-related offences
which carry a fine of a minimum of €80 and 2 penalty points, up to €5,000 and 5
penalty points on your licence if convicted.
Here’s all you need to know about the importance of
maintaining the correct tyre pressure, how different seasons and road
conditions can impact your tyres, and what every driver needs to know about
legal tread depth in Ireland. Plus, we’ll explain why investing in high-quality
tyres from a trusted dealership or supplier is a smart move.
Tyre Safety
Properly fitted tyres, which are the right kind and size for
your vehicle, are not just a legal requirement - they are vital to ensuring
your vehicle’s safety, performance, and efficiency.
According to Garda.ie, tyres must:
- Be the right kind and size for your vehicle
- Have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm
Dangers of using sub-standard or incorrect tyres include:
Dangers of using sub-standard or incorrect tyres include:
- Reduced road handling and control – you have
less control of your vehicle, particularly dangerous in emergency situations
- Increased braking distances – it could take up
to twice the normal braking distance to stop
- Aquaplaning – where your tyres lose grip on the
road in wet conditions, particularly concerning with the volume of wet weather
us Irish have
- Blow-outs – blowouts could happen particularly
at high speeds, causing loss of control of the vehicle
Why Tyre Pressure Matters
Tyre pressure is one of the most crucial aspects of tyre
care. Maintaining the correct pressure ensures your tyres wear evenly,
providing optimal grip, fuel efficiency, and safety – your wallet will even
thank you for it, as it can also save you money. Underinflated tyres can cause
excessive wear on the edges of the tread, reduce fuel efficiency, and increase
the risk of blowouts. Overinflated tyres, on the other hand, can lead to a
harsh driving, reduced traction, and uneven wear in the centre of the tread.
When Should Tyre Pressure Be Checked?
It’s recommended to check your tyre pressure at least once a
month and before any long journeys. Tyre pressure should also be checked:
- When temperatures drop: Cold weather
causes tyre pressure to decrease, so it’s particularly important to monitor
your tyres during winter.
- After driving on rough or uneven roads:
If you’ve been driving on rough roads or off-road, it’s a good idea to check
your tyre pressure to ensure they haven’t lost air.
- When carrying heavy loads: Extra weight
in your car can put additional pressure on your tyres, so checking them before
and after heavy loads is advisable.
How Seasons and Road Conditions Affect Tyre Pressure
With Irish weather changing rapidly (hello four seasons in
one day!), it’s essential to understand how different seasons and road
conditions impact tyre pressure:
- Cold temperatures cause the air inside
your tyres to contract, leading to lower pressure. Underinflated tyres in
winter can result in reduced grip on icy or wet roads, making it harder to
control your vehicle. There is not necessarily any reason to fit Winter tyres
in Ireland, and there is no legal requirement to – but should you choose to,
then it’s important to ensure you fit a full set of four tyres. You should also
change them back to Summer tyres when appropriate.
- Warmer temperatures can cause the air in
your tyres to expand, potentially leading to overinflation. Overinflated tyres
reduce the amount of contact your tyres have with the road, which can lead to a
loss of traction and increased wear.
- Wet roads are also a common challenge.
Properly inflated tyres ensure maximum tread contact with the road, reducing
the risk of hydroplaning and improving braking distance.
Understanding the Irish Legal Tread Depth
In Ireland, the legal minimum tread depth for tyres is
1.6mm. This is not a target however - the specialist motor technicians at
George Corbett Motors recommend never letting your tyres get to this depth.
This depth must be maintained across the central
three-quarters of the tyre’s width and around the entire circumference. Driving
on tyres with tread depth below this limit is illegal and extremely dangerous,
as it significantly reduces traction, especially in wet conditions. Tyres with
low tread depth are also more prone to punctures and blowouts.
How to Check Tread Depth:
How to Check Tread Depth:
- Use a Tread Depth Gauge: This simple tool
measures the depth of the tread grooves on your tyres.
- The 10 cent Test: Insert a 10 cent coin
into the tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the coin is visible,
your tyre tread is likely below the legal limit and should be replaced
immediately.
- Use the Thread Wear Indicator: Tyres are
equipped with a tread wear indicator block set at a depth of 1.6mm.
Once you maintain regular service checks on your car, your
motor technician will also check your tyre thread depth for you and provide you
with a report. Your technician will recommend whether you need new tyres and/or
things to watch out for with your tyres.
Why Invest in Quality Tyres from Your Dealership or
Supplier
Choosing high-quality tyres is an investment in your safety
and your car’s performance. Second-hand tyres may be a consideration due to the
cost, but the award-winning motor technicians at George Corbett Motors advise
against this, and only recommend purchasing tyres from a trusted dealership or
supplier. It could save you money and your safety in the long run.
- Expert Advice: Dealerships offer expert
guidance on the best tyres for your specific vehicle model, driving habits, and
local conditions.
- Proper Fitting: Professional fitting
ensures your tyres are correctly installed, balanced, and aligned, which is
crucial for even wear and optimal performance.
- Safety Assurance: Quality tyres from
reputable suppliers undergo rigorous testing to meet safety standards,
providing you with peace of mind on the road.
- Longer Lifespan: Higher-quality tyres are
made from superior materials, meaning they typically last longer and perform
better over time, offering better value for your money.
Your tyres are the only part of your car that directly
touches the road, so taking care of them is paramount. By regularly checking
your tyre pressure, maintaining the correct tread depth, and investing in
high-quality tyres, you can ensure a safer, smoother driving experience.
Drive safe, drive smart, and trust your tyres to take you
wherever the road leads.
At George Corbett Motors, we’re committed to helping you
keep your car in top condition. Our team is here to offer expert advice and
provide the best tyres to meet your needs. If you need to book a service,
visit: [insert link].
