Tread Carefully - VACC Urges Motorists To Check Their Tyres This Winter

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA – June 21, 2011: VACC, the peak automotive industry body in Victoria, is reminding motorists to check their tyres. Underinflated or worn tyres are the most frequently found faults on a car.

The advice follows concerning data emerging from Victoria Police’s Winter Driving campaign. During the month of June, Police are pulling vehicles over for road-side safety inspections. Vehicles found to be unroadworthy are served defect notices.

In one recent blitz, Victoria Police officers served 61 defect notices and ordered four vehicles to be towed immediately for repairs following random vehicle inspections in Nunawading.

“Now is the time to take action,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.

“Winter is now upon us and drivers have to be prepared for dark evenings and variable weather and road conditions. If you are not 100 per cent confident your car is safe and fit for winter driving, the best thing to do is have your car serviced by a professional and ask for a Five Point Safety Check,” Mr Purchase said.

The Five Point Safety Check is an additional check, by participating VACC repairers, when a car is serviced. They check a vehicle’s tyres, brakes, lights, steering and restraints. Without doubt, tyres are the most regularly failed item.

Head of Road Policing, Deputy Commissioner, Kieran Walshe, at the launch of the Winter Driving Campaign, said tyres could be the difference between a collision and a near miss – and even life and death.

“Tyres are one of the most important parts of your vehicle – they are your only contact point with the road. Vehicles must have a tyre tread of more than 1.5mm across the entire tyre. It is essential motorists check the inner shoulder of the tyre thoroughly. Tyres in poor condition increase your stopping distance and reduce a driver’s ability to react to road hazards,” said Mr Walshe.

As well as ensuring tyres are fit for the road, Victoria Police advise motorists to ensure their car is prepared for the winter weather and road conditions.

“It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure their vehicle has roadworthy tyres, all lights working, all seatbelts are fully functioning, steering and brakes are well serviced, and that the windscreen is free of sandblasting or cracks that could impact visibility,” Mr Walshe said.