Between August 31, 2020 and September 1, 2021, a total of 1,392,488 complete NCT tests were performed. 107,012 (7.68%) received a “fail” result for tires, including 35,871 (2.57%) that received a “fail” result because the tire tread was less than 1.6 mm.
The tires are the part of your car most likely to put you at risk of a fatal collision if they are not roadworthy. The tires are your vehicle’s direct contact with the road and play a key role in road safety. It is extremely important that they are fit for purpose so that your vehicle does not lose traction or control.
Based on analysis of traffic crash reports, it’s estimated that defective tires could play a role in as many as 14 deaths per year. Don’t wait for your NCT to check if your tires are roadworthy, go through your car regularly and check your tires – look for cuts, cracks or bulges.
If your vehicle’s tires show signs of wear, you should remove and replace them immediately. Remember, if you have no grip on the road, you have no control over your vehicle.
Sue O’Neill, CEO, Irish Tyre Industry Association, said: “Irish Tyre Industry Association members are experts in tyre health and road worthiness. They are able to assure drivers that their vehicle is safe on the road. By simply taking a few minutes out of your day, you can have your tyres checked and replaced if necessary.”
Please see the RSA’s Tyre Safety Day video:
You can download a copy of the RSA’s ‘Your guide to Tyre Safety’ here.
A few general tips on tire maintenance:
- The minimum tread depth of your tires is 1.6 mm (1 mm for a motorcycle). Replace them with new tires before you reach this value.
- You can find the tire pressure in the owner’s manual or in the tank cap.
- Cuts, cracks and damage or bulges on the sidewall are the dangers you should look out for in a tire.
- Don’t forget to check the spare.
