Tyre Safety Month returns as EU regulations promise safer roads and greener driving
October brings the return of Tyre Safety Month, an annual event organised by the charity TyreSafe, founded in 2006 to raise awareness of tyre, driver and road safety. Supported by key industry bodies, including tyre and vehicle manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers, TyreSafe has contributed to a remarkable 46% reduction in tyre-related accidents resulting in death or injury.
Of added significance, this year's event coincides with new EU regulations aimed at reducing the environmental impact of worn-out tyres. The objective: to decrease the frequency of tyre replacement by extending the effective lifespan of tyres, thus reducing the sheer volume of waste material clogging-up landfill sites.
At MotorEasy, we're passionate about both road safety and environmental sustainability, so we felt it was our duty to take a closer look at the key issues at hand.
Why Tyre Safety is Essential
Tyres are one of the most critical components of your vehicle. Poor tyre maintenance is a major cause of accidents, with over 170,000 tyre-related incidents happening each year in the UK. By keeping your tyres properly maintained, you can ensure your vehicle runs safely, efficiently, and save yourself money in the long run.
New EU Tyre Regulations: A Game-Changer for Safety and Sustainability
Tyre tread depth is a critical factor in vehicle safety, and the EU is now taking action to ensure that tyres perform optimally for longer. Previously, the legal minimum tread depth across the UK and Europe was 1.6mm, but the new EU regulations now recommend replacing tyres once they reach a depth of 3mm.
This change is designed to enhance both safety and sustainability, especially as worn tyres significantly reduce grip and increase braking distances, particularly in wet conditions. Although the UK has not yet introduced this new standard, drivers will still gain advantages as manufacturers provide standardised products across all markets.
According to Michelin, around 50% of car tyres are currently replaced before they reach a tread depth of 3mm. The new regulations aim to curb this early replacement practice, which is set to reduce tyre consumption in Europe by an astounding 128 million units. The environmental benefits of this reduction are equally impressive, with CO2 emissions expected to decrease by 6.6 million metric tonnes.
If these regulations are adopted globally, Michelin predicts that 400 million fewer tyres would need to be produced annually, leading to a CO2 reduction of 35 million metric tonnes—the equivalent of six months’ worth of New York City’s emissions!
Not only does this have a major impact on the environment, but consumers could also see significant savings. A 2017 Ernst & Young report suggested that the shift towards longer-lasting tyres could save consumers £5.9 billion each year.
The ‘ACT’ Campaign: Tyre Safety in 3 Simple Steps
To help drivers stay on top of tyre safety, TyreSafe has launched its ‘ACT’ campaign, which focuses on three key areas to check before heading off on long journeys:
Air Pressure – Ensure your tyres are properly inflated for optimal performance and safety.
Condition – Regularly inspect your tyres for any damage or wear.
Tread Depth – Ideally, make sure your tyres meet the recommended 3mm tread depth for enhanced safety, particularly in wet weather.
These simple checks can drastically improve your car’s performance and, more importantly, keep you and your passengers safe on the road.
Simple Tyre Checks You Can Do
You can quickly check your tread depth meets the 1.6mm legal limit, with the 20p test: place a 20p coin into the tread grooves. If you can see the outer edge of the coin, your tread is likely below the legal limit, and it’s time to replace your tyres. Regularly checking tyre pressure can also help improve fuel efficiency and prolong the life of your tyres.
Keep Your Tyres in Check with MotorEasy & Halfords
At MotorEasy, we offer a range of services to ensure your tyres are in top shape, from tyre fitting and tyre insurance to regular vehicle maintenance.
One way to make sure your tyres are road-ready is through our trusted partner, Halfords Motoring Club. With their 10-Point Car Health Check, you’ll not only get your tyres inspected but also have other key components such as your headlights, brake lights, battery, wiper blades, oil, and screenwash levels checked. Best of all, if you’re a Halfords Motoring Club member, this service is completely free!
For just £49 a year you can upgrade to a premium membership which gives you 2 FREE 10 point car checks, a FREE MOT, a £10 welcome voucher and much more! Sign up using the link below to get 20% a premium membership!
Keeping your tyres in check doesn’t just ensure your safety—it also helps reduce your environmental footprint and saves you money in the long run. For more information on MotorEasy’s tyre services, including tyre fitting and tyre insurance, visit the link below today.
Need to replace your Tyres?
Every month we bring a host of special offers from big name car brands including Michelin, Pirelli, Continental and more. Whether you want budget tyres or premium, winter or all season, check out our latest discounts.
