Kumho Tyre UK is supporting road safety charity Tyre Safe’s Tyre Safety Month 2024 campaign that aims to promote awareness amongst motorists of the importance of tyre safety.
This year’s ‘Caught in the ACT’ campaign is designed to inspire a significant behavioural shift among road users by promoting the importance of regular tyre maintenance, encouraging them to adopt proactive habits that enhance safety on the road.
With a focus on the essential checks of Air Pressure, Condition and Tread, TyreSafe aims to instil a routine of monthly tyre inspections, empowering drivers to take responsibility for their safety.
Tyre Safety Month also coincides with one of the busiest months in the MOT calendar, as an estimated 3.4 million MOTs were expected in September and similar numbers projected for October and November, meaning this period presents an ideal opportunity to highlight the critical role tyres play in vehicle safety.
Government data shows that tyres account for one of the highest failure rates during MOT tests, especially for vehicles presented for their first test at three-years, with TyreSafe, via DVSA data, reporting that over two million MOT failures occur each year due to tyre defects, with one million classified as dangerous. Tyres have also been reported as the primary cause of MOT failures in the first seven years of a vehicle’s life.
With this in mind, Kumho believes this is a crucial time to inform and educate drivers about the importance of regular tyre maintenance and replacement.
Richard Lyons, Managing Director of Kumho Tyre UK, comments: “Tyres consistently appear on MOT advisory notices, yet are often overlooked by drivers. We aim to play an active role in ensuring UK motorists’ mobility and safety by helping to raise awareness of tyre as safety-critical components.”
To be legal, tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread area. Those not meeting the minimum requirement will inevitably result in an MOT failure and could lead to fines of up to £2,500 per tyre and points on a driver’s licence.
Kumho is emphasising that tyres are the only point of contact between a vehicle and the road and urges drivers to ensure their tyres are in top condition by making regular maintenance and checks.
Worn, under-inflated or damaged tyres can significantly impair a vehicle’s handling, braking and overall safety, particularly in adverse weather conditions. With the cold and wet conditions of a British winter fast approaching, ensuring optimum tyre performance is essential.
Kumho’s range of tyres are designed to provide exceptional handling and braking performance on both wet and dry roads, with Ecsta HS52 in particular ranking highly in independent tests carried out in 2024.
Kumho also offers the Solus HA32, which is an all-season tyre designed for year-round performance, offering reliable traction in dry, wet and light snow conditions. Its directional tread pattern improves water drainage to reduce hydroplaning, while its high-density sipes provide better grip on slippery surfaces.
With a focus on comfort and quietness, the HA32 ensures a smooth ride and is built for durability. Additionally, it carries the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, confirming its capability in severe snow, making it a versatile option for various climates.
For those preparing for particularly harsh winter conditions, the WinterCraft WP52 and WP72 patterns offer enhanced traction on icy and snowy roads, ensuring optimal safety throughout the colder months.
Richard continued: “The MOT extension granted during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the disconnection between MOT testing and regular servicing, with many motorists deferring essential maintenance. We urge the industry to take this busy period as an opportunity to remind drivers of the importance of coupling MOTs with comprehensive vehicle servicing, especially tyre checks.”
Source: Tyretradenews
