Shocking bald tyre sparks safety warning

A TYRE that was completely bald after being taken off a high-performance BMW has sparked warnings from tyre safety charity TyreSafe.

The shocking pictures of the incredibly dangerous tyre, whose owner is lucky to be alive, show the extent of the lengths to which some people are pushing the limits of safety.

As it is, the tyre would be almost completely ineffective in wet or damp conditions, and how the driver had avoided an accident is a mystery.

Not only that, but due to poor wheel alignment the tread on one side has given way to the beaded carcass of the tyre, which could have caused a potentially fatal high-speed crash.

“This particular tyre was an accident waiting to happen,” exclaimed Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe.

“Adequate tread depth is essential all year round, but particularly important just now when we are experiencing so much rain and difficult driving conditions.

Checking your tyre tread depth is very simple and only takes a few minutes. It really is something that all drivers should do at least once a month to stay safe and legal.”

Current UK law requires car drivers to have at least 1.6mm of tread on their tyres across the central three quarters of the tyre around its entire circumference. Those found to be in breach of this law can face fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre.

To help drivers quickly assess if their car tyres are safe and legal, TyreSafe recommends inserting a 20p coin into the main grooves of a tyre. If the outer band of the 20p coin is visible when inserted into the groove, then the tread is probably too low and should be inspected immediately by a qualified tyre professional.

“Sadly, the bad weather shows no sign of subsiding at the moment so it’s particularly important that drivers ensure their tyres can cope in these terrible conditions,” adds Jackson. “If you’re in any doubt then pop into your local tyre specialist who I’m sure would be delighted to check things for you.”

By Press Association reporter