Are you prepared for a puncture?

Recent research conducted on behalf of Kwik Fit, has led to some startling discoveries.

A puncture to a car tyre while on the road could see as many as a quarter of a million vehicles stranded within the next year alone, as an estimated 26% of the UK's 8.8 million motorists suffer this fate annually.

This is borne out of some shocking statistics and motorist confusion:

•     3% have no provision at all for a flat tyre
•     4% are not sure they have a spare wheel
•     10% of those carrying a spare say they don’t have the necessary tools in their car to change it
•     36% have the tools but admit they don’t know how to use them
•     6% have neither the equipment nor knowledge to get a new wheel on

The Good Garage Scheme advises all motorists to check the conditions of their tyres regularly and visit a local member garage if they are in any doubt about their condition. 

Take the 20p tyre test:

•    Find a 20p coin. The “border” around the outside of the face on the head side of the coin is exactly 1.6 millimetres – which is the minimum legal requirement for the depth of tread on your tyres.

•    Place the 20p coin into the grooves of your tyre tread and if it covers the rim of the coin – your tyres are OK. Make sure you check all the way and look out for any areas which look more heavily worn.

If the grooves are worn, or slightly below the 20p rim – you should  have them checked at your Good Garage Scheme member garage for peace of mind. Any member garage would be happy to check the spare tyre as well.

To find your local Good Garage Scheme member garage, visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com