Skoda

The weather forecasters are already saying that the winter this year will be as treacherous as last year’s and Skoda is advising all drivers that they should check their tyres to ensure they are safe and in a legal condition for UK roads.

John Bower, Head of Aftersales at Skoda, explains,”As part of the ongoing maintenance of a car, drivers should keep a close eye on their tyre tread depth. A simple way to establish if your tyre is safe or not is to place a twenty pence piece inside the tread. If the tread is deeper than the rim of the coin in various positions around the tyre then it is safe. If however, the tyre is worn more than this, or if it is worn more on one side than the other, then go to your retailer or tyre dealership and get them checked out and/or changed”.

The UK legal limit for tyre safety is 1.6mm tread depth across the central three quarters of the entire circumference. As well as being essential for your safety, you can risk a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre so it is worth doing the test. Skoda is offering their customers a free tyre check at their local retailer if you are concerned and you can read more about the tyre 20p coin test here.

Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe has also explained why it is essential that tyres are regularly checked,”You should check your tyres at least once a month for tread depth, as well as correct pressure and any cracks, bulges or uneven wear. At this time of year and as we move into winter, the weather can cause roads to become wet, icy and snowy and these conditions mean that your stopping distances will be increased”.

Car skids

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is advising drivers to take greater care now the UK heatwave seems to be coming to an end and the inevitable flash floods that usually follow. Torrential rain in the coming days means poor driving visibility, difficulty in car or van control, slippery road surfaces and increased stopping distances.

Peter Rodger, IAM Chief Examiner said ” A suddenly very wet road surface increases the chances of slipping when braking or steering, which is a problem not just for motorists, but cyclists and motorcyclists too”.

The IAM has the following advice on road safety.

1) Reconsider making the journey if there is flash flooding predicted on your route.

2) Drive in the highest section of the road and don’t set off if a car, van or any other vehicle is travelling in the opposite direction.

3) Leave plenty of time and space for any other vehicles to pass so do you don’t end up swamping another motorist.

4) Drive slowly and once you are going make sure you have a clear run. Keep the revs high by “slipping the clutch” (which means the clutch is not fully engaged), all the time you are in the water.

5) Once out of the water make sure you dry the brakes before you need them. You can do this by lightly applying the brake as you drive along, just for a few seconds. Don’t forget to check that there is nothing following you too closely behind.

6) Lastly don’t forget to close your windows.

Mr Rodger also advised “Another thing to consider when driving in wet conditions is stopping distances, as roads are slippery and it will take longer to stop. So drop your speed and give yourself more time to slow down. Visibility will be lower during heavy rain, so make a point of turning on your headlights whenever you need to use your windscreen wipers”.