The tyres on your vehicle are the only part of your vehicle in contact with the road.

Therefore, they play a key role in vehicle safety.

Between the years 2007 – 2012, An Garda Síochána reported tyre defects as a factor in 172 collisions.

Some of these collisions were fatal, others resulted in serious and minor injuries.

Dangers of using sub-standard or incorrect tyres include:

• Reduced road handling – you have less control of your vehicle
• 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
• Blow-outs – resulting in loss of control of the vehicle

Information from the Road Safety Authority.

Tyres must:

• be the right kind and size for your vehicle
• be properly inflated
• be free from defects and
• have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm