For immediate use
December 21 2009
VACC: A thousand reasons to check your tyres
VACC, the peak Automotive Industry body in Victoria, has revealed that more than a
thousand vehicles on our roads have unsafe tyres.
Of the 4,101 vehicles tested by VACC repairers, 1,005 vehicles were found to have
unsafe tyres.
Part of VACC’s ongoing Vehicle Safety Campaign, the data also revealed a third of
vehicles on Victoria’s roads failed at least one of the five basic safety checks.
“To think that one-in-four vehicles tested by VACC repairers has unsafe tyres is
frightening,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.
“Tyres are the only part of a vehicle in contact with the road and if the tyres are worn,
bald or damaged there is a real chance that vehicle will be involved in an accident.
“Because tyres are a crucial safety feature, they should be regularly inspected by a
professional. And to assist motorists, participating VACC repairers will conduct a Five
Point Safety Check at your next service. As well as the tyres, they will check the
other key safety features of a vehicle - brakes, lights, steering and restraints – free of
charge,” Mr Purchase said.
Tyres should be well maintained, inflated to the correct pressure and have a
minimum tread depth of 1 point 5 millimetres. Adequate tread is crucial for dispersing
water away from the tyre and preventing aquaplaning.
Motorists are advised to test tyre pressure weekly as under-inflation causes
excessive flexing in the tyre and over-inflation causes a loss of grip on the road. This
applies to all vehicles, including ones with modern safety systems such as anti-lock
brakes and ESC as they rely on tyre quality to function correctly.
“There are many reasons why motorists should make sure their tyres are well
maintained. Firstly, they could save lives and secondly, they will save you money.
Driving sensibly on correct tyres will make a vehicle more efficient, help prevent wear
and tear and use less fuel.
“Do not underestimate the importance of your vehicle’s tyres. Regularly test their
pressure and if in any doubt about their safety, have them checked by a
professional,” Mr Purchase said.
Are your tyres safe? Read ‘Important information about your tyres!’ - available
from all VACC Accredited tyre dealers. To download a copy, visit vacc.com.au
NEWS 
