As another year draws to a close, many will be taking the opportunity over the next few weeks to hit the road and explore with their loved ones. In the bustle of making arrangements, checking that your car’s tyres are safe for the road ahead should be right up there with wearing seat belts, avoiding fatigue and cellphone use, and not speeding.
As one of the leading tyre manufacturers in South Africa, Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (SRSA) takes the safety of our customers extremely seriously. We acknowledge that families trust us with their loved ones, both in our factories and on the road, hence safety is part of our DNA and central to everything we do – from the manufacturing of our products to delivery and ensuring their safe use on the road.
Consumers should have tyre safety uppermost in their minds, especially during peak road travel periods like over the festive season, when heavy traffic volumes and an increase in driver error mean that tyres need to work even harder to keep them safe.
Why is tyre safety important?
Your tyres are the only part of your vehicle that directly meets the road surface. In an emergency, it needs to have sufficient friction to come to a stop.
If they are worn or damaged, this could reduce their grip, resulting in the vehicle failing to stop timeously, or in the case of wet weather, the car could aquaplane. That’s not an experience you want to have when you’re travelling with your most precious cargo – your loved ones.
We believe that staying #SaferthanSafe this holiday is possible if you bear a few important things in mind before you take the road:
- Before jumping into the car for your year-end holiday, take 5 minutes to walk around the vehicle. Do this a few days before you leave so that you have enough time to spare to make any changes to your tyres.
- Inspect tyres (including the spare) for uneven wear, or seek a professional expert’s assistance. Make sure it has sufficient tread for the road ahead. Any tyres that are bald, under-inflated, or over-inflated, can be dangerous.
- Ensure that all your vehicles – including trailers and caravans – are roadworthy and thoroughly checked before embarking on a long journey. Book any services or maintenance well in advance of your trip.
- Check you have all the necessary tools to change a tyre if needed, including a red warning triangle.
- Check the pressure regularly before, during, and after your trip, preferably when they are cold, like in the mornings. You can find your vehicle’s optimal tyre pressure in your car manual, or the information label on the side of the driver’s door.
- Be cautious and do not speed. Keep your eyes on the road.
- If you hit a road hazard, immediately check your pressure as well as any residual signs of dents and tearing.
- Have your tyres rotated at least every 8 000km or at least once a year.
- Do not overload – check the carrying capacity on the sidewall of each tyre.
- Do not speed, so that you have enough reaction time to steer clear of people, potholes, or other hazards.
- Check brakes, windscreen wipers, lights, and indicator functionality regularly.
If you are unsure about your tyres’ health or have experienced a recent road hazard that could have affected them, pop into a tyre expert retailer such as your local Dunlop store to help you assess your tyres.
Please stay #SaferThanSafe if you’re planning any road travel this holiday!
