by Chris Malone
Caravanners have been urged to check their tyre pressure before setting off on their summer holidays.
According to manufacturer Bridgestone, 71 per cent of motorists begin their break with under-inflated tyres, putting themselves at risk of accident through sluggish handling and financial loss through wasted fuel.
The data, published on etyres.co.uk, showed that of the 38,000 vehicles checked, 12 per cent of them were actually illegal due to being below the minimum 1.6 mm tread depth.
“The figures from the survey are startling, especially at this time of year when families are setting off on long journey with heavily loaded cars,” communications manager Andy Dingley told the online resource.
“Bridgestone is committed to encouraging safe driving and with so many people still choosing to take staycations, we want to help motorists ensure that they’ve completed the proper safety checks before beginning their journey.”
The firm advised that caravan owners and other road users regularly check their tyres for lumps, bulges and worn treads.
Keeping the pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended level should also help improve economy and safety.
Caravan tyres should be changed every five years to help reduce the risk of a blow-out, which is increased thanks to the extra weight.
