Kwik-Fit’s Tyre Wall of Shame calendar
Kwik-Fit has revealed its annual Tyre Wall of Shame calendar for 2010. Compared to other famous tyre calendars, the Tyre Wall of Shame 2010 may be less glamorous, however the photographs are equally likely to take people’s breath away.
Kwik-Fit’s Tyre Wall of Shame 2010 features twelve shocking images of tyres in outrageous condition, including some with almost no tread left, sidewall ruptures through under inflation, and even one worn right down to the steel core. All the tyres featured were removed from customer’s cars on a single day in December 2009. What is even scarier is that this was an average day - Kwik-Fit replaces tyres in similar conditions every day of the year.
Millions of unsuspecting motorists could be closer than they think to featuring in next year’s calendar as research for Kwik-Fit showed that one third of Brits have not checked their tyres in the last six months. Kwik-Fit research also found that one-in-five (5.4 million) motorists have under-inflated tyres, and one-in-ten (2.7 million) have tread depths below the legal requirement of 1.6mm.
An under inflated tyre could suddenly fail when driving – resulting in an immediate and dramatic loss of control. Motorists with an under inflated tyre may also experience poor handling and braking performance, as well as high fuel consumption.
Driving on tyres with tread depth below the legal minimum will have a profoundly adverse effect on a car’s ability to stop, which is only made worse in wet, wintry conditions.
David White, customer services director at Kwik-Fit, commented: “When we produced last year’s Tyre Wall of Shame calendar,we hoped that it would remind motorists of the consequences of not looking after their tyres properly. We didn’t want to have to produce a calendar every year, but 2009 has seen even more additions to our collection of shockers.
“Perhaps the worst example we found was taken off a family hatchback. It was right down to the steel core so not only would it provide no grip, it could have blown at any time. It beggars belief that anyone is driving around with tyres like that – let alone those with their family in the car.
“Although that was one of the worst, it wasn’t an isolated example – worryingly we could have filled many more calendars. People shouldn’t forget the importance of their tyres – they are literally what keep their cars on the road. Checking them regularly is one of the most important safety measures drivers can take.
“If they need replacements, with our online tyre booking system motorists can order a new set of tyres and have them fitted at a centre of their choice at a time that is convenient to them.”
To book tyres online motorists should visit kwik-fit.com. Motorists who are unsure about tyre inflation or tread can also pop into their local Kwik-Fit centre where they will receive a free check to help keep them safe on the road.
To see the calendar and to download a copy please visit kwik-fit.com/calendar.
