Motorists ‘too busy’ to replace worn tyres

Nearly a quarter of British motorists (23%) – 4.9 million in total – have knowingly driven on tyres below the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, claiming they were ‘too busy’ to get them changed, according to research from Kwik-Fit. Shockingly almost one million motorists have driven on illegal tyres for over one month before replacing them.

With this in mind, and in the run up to the Easter school holidays when millions of families are expected to take to the roads for excursions and day trips, Kwik-Fit is urging motorists to make sure their tyres are safe enough for them and their families to travel.

Those that claim they’re too busy to change their tyres might be interested to learn that Kwik-Fit operates a national mobile tyre fitting service. So, motorists can have their tyre(s) fitted at a time and location convenient to them, whether that’s at work or at home.

To make things even easier, motorists can now book their mobile tyre appointment online by visiting kwik-fit.com. With booking 24 hours per day Kwik-Fit are doing everything they can to ensure that even those with the busiest lives don’t ever need to risk driving on illegal tyres.

Driving on tyres with a tread depth beneath the legal minimum of 1.6mm has a profoundly adverse effect on a car’s ability to stop. Indeed research carried out by the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) found that on wet roads it takes nearly eight metres extra – almost one bus length – to stop from 50mph once tyres have worn down to the legal minimum of 1.6mm compared to 3mm.

Motorists on the move can also opt to have their tyres changed at one of Kwik-Fit’s 670 centres across the country. Anyone who is unsure about the condition of their tyres is welcome to drive in to any centre for a free half term tyre safety check-up which covers tread depth, tyre pressures and overall tyre condition.

David White, customer services director at Kwik-Fit, commented: “Many motorists put off having their tyres changed with the intention of doing it when they have more time or when it’s more convenient. But driving on excessively worn tyres places themselves, their passengers and other road users at considerable risk, particularly in wet weather. With half term coming up we believe it’s a good time to bring this message closer to home since no-one wants to put their family in danger.”

He continued: “With our mobile fitting service there really is no excuse. Time poor motorists can get their tyres changed either at work or at home - whilst their car is not in use. Now that they can book online too, the service is more convenient than ever.”