Tyres play a key role in vehicle safety
THE Road Safety Authority of Ireland is urging motorists not to take chances with their tyres.
The tyres on your vehicle are the only part of your vehicle in contact with the road and play a key role in vehicle safety.
Worn tyres can kill.
Your safety, along with the safety of your passengers and other road users, could depend directly on the condition of your vehicle’s tyres.
Tyres must:
* be the right kind and size for your vehicle
* be properly inflated
* be free from defects and
* have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm By law, it is a driver’s responsibility to make sure that their vehicle meets legal requirements and is in a roadworthy condition at all times.
If you drive with damaged or worn tyres, you are putting your own life and the life of others at risk. You also risk prosecution. If you are convicted of the offence of driving with dangerous tyres, you could be fined up to €2,500, or receive a 3-month prison sentence, or both. You will also have five penalty points on your licence on conviction.
Keeping your tyres properly inflated has an additional benefit. This time in your pocket as incorrectly inflated tyres make to car use more fuel and wear out sooner.
What kind of tyres should I buy?
There are three distinct categories of tyres:
1. Winter tyres have tread patterns that are specially designed to bite into snow and ice. They’re made from softer rubber than normal tyres and they stay more flexible in cold weather. This means the tyre can grip the road better in snow or icy conditions. Winter tyres are labelled ‘MS’ or ‘M&S’ (Mud and Snow) with the alpine symbol.
2. Summer tyres are most commonly used in Ireland. This does not mean that they are for use during the summer only—it’s merely the term used to separate them from winter tyres in countries where there is a practical need and sometimes a legal requirement to fit winter tyres.
3. All-season tyres are a cross between summer and winter tyres and are designed to cope with all sorts of conditions, including dry roads and rain. They are not specially designed for any one kind of weather condition. All-season tyres carry the marking MS or M&S (Mud and Snow) but without the alpine symbol.
Should I fit winter tyres in Ireland?
Irish law does not require you to fit winter tyres, and there is no law against fitting them.
If you decide to fit a set of winter tyres, you should always fit a full set of four to ensure that your steering is not affected. Once the risk of snow and ice passes, you should remove your winter tyres and re-fit your all-season or summer tyres. If you leave winter tyres on in warmer weather, the soft rubber they’re made from may wear out faster.