October is once again TyreSafe’s ‘Tyre Safety Month’ and to celebrate Pirelli has teamed up with Carlisle United Football Club to spread the word on the importance of tyre safety.
Club captain Danny Grainger and first team coach Paul Murray attended Denton Tyres – Team Protyre, which is part of the exclusive Pirelli Performance Centre network. At the depot, which is located on Sheffield Street in Denton Holme, the tyres were checked on the cars of Danny and Paul. The checks, including tread, inflation and wear were carried out by fully qualified technicians.
Tyre Safety Month is an annual campaign pioneered by charity TyreSafe. It is emphasising its well-established message about simple steps that drivers should take to ensure their tyres are safe and appropriately maintained. The simple, but effective checks, help to make sure drivers are not adding a substantial and avoidable risk to both themselves and other road users.
This year is themed around chart toppers with the top three made up of ‘Under Pressure’, ‘How Deep Is Your Tread?’ and ‘Every Check You Take’. Each ‘single’ has a recommended action which Pirelli is firmly behind as a long-term supporter of TyreSafe:
‘Under Pressure’ – Correct tyre pressures reduce the risk of experiencing a rapid deflation, and also ensure optimal braking and handling. Correctly inflated tyres also last longer and use less fuel. You can find the recommended pressure in your door shut, fuel filler cap or owner’s manual and you can top up with air at most service stations.
‘How Deep Is Your Tread?’ – Your tyres’ tread is critical for acceleration, braking, steering and cornering. The legal minimum limit for car tyre tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tread around its entire circumference. To check your tread, place a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the 20p coin is obscured when it is inserted, then your tread depth is above the legal limit. If the outer band of the coin is visible, then your tyres may be illegal and unsafe.
‘Every Check You Take’ – Check your tyres for any bulges, lumps or cuts and remove any stones or objects from the tread. If something doesn’t look right, Pirelli and TyreSafe strongly recommends having it inspected immediately by a tyre professional. Make sure you carry out these checks once a month, and before long journeys.
Dominic Sandivasci, Pirelli UK Chairman and CEO, explained: “Legal tyre tread depths, correct inflation pressures and visual inspections are critical to motorist safety. As the only point of contact between the car and the road, tyres should be given regular attention by drivers. Pirelli is committed to Tyre Safety Month as it is a great chance to ensure Britain’s motorists are fully aware of the importance of fully-functioning tyres.”
Simon Hiorns, Retail Director at Protyre, said: “As proud supporters of TyreSafe we are delighted to support Pirelli and Carlisle United in demonstrating the importance and ease of checking your tyres”
Paul Murray, from Carlisle United added: “Safety is important to us in all aspects of life on and off the pitch, so it’s been great to visit Denton Tyres – Team Protyre today. Many of us are driving our friends and family about, so to have that reassurance that our tyres are safe has been great today.”
