Tyre Safety, Fitment and Road Safety

Tyre failure is a vital factor in thousands of road accidents every year. Research by the CSIR indicates that nearly 20% of accidents involving minibuses have tyre failure as a contributing factor. It won't help if you have the best brakes on the market, but your tyres are worn. When braking, the idea is to have sufficient friction between the road surface and tyre to bring the vehicle to a standstill. If the tyres are worn there will not be enough friction and the tyre will slide over the road surface, not stopping the vehicle. This is also true for handling and steerability. Look after your tyres!

Car Magazine online points out some rules for ensuring you have correct, safe tyres on your vehicle:

Tyres should always be replaced with the same size designation as recommended by the vehicle or tyre manufacturer.
Guard against used tyre imports, many of which are beyond retreading but are retreaded and sold illicitly. Similarly, watch out for counterfeit tyres - illicit copies of respected brands. The advice is to always look for the SABS stamp of approval.
All four tyres should be of the same size, speed rating and construction (radial or cross-ply).
When two radial tyres are used with two cross-ply, put the radials on the rear axle. In some cases (especially commercial vehicles) the manufacturer might recommend different-sized tyres for the front and rear axles.
Never assume that the tyres on your vehicle are correct, even if you have newly purchased it. Unless you bought new from an authorised dealer your vehicle may already be fitted with potentially lethal tyres.

Overinflation/ Under Inflation and Safe Driving

Over and under-inflation reduces tyre to road contact and shortens tyre life. The tyre responds in the same manner to under inflation as to overloading. The same applies to over inflation / under loading.

Overinflation / under loading - Reduces cushioning power of a tyre. A tyre is more susceptible to impact, penetrations and abrasion. Reduced road-tyre contact. Negatively affects the handling characteristics of the vehicle. (Excessive centre wear.)
Under-inflation / Overloading - The biggest single cause of "burst" tyres. Under-inflation causes excessive flexing of the tyre sidewall which leads to overheating and ultimately, casing break-up and treads separation. Reduced tyre-road contact leads to poor handling and faster wear. (Excessive shoulder wear.)
Check tyre pressure once a week or before undertaking a long journey
Check tyre pressure early morning (low ambient temperature)
Only use tyre sizes recommended by the manufacturers at the recommended inflation pressure
Cuts in the tyre could permit damp to reach the casing plies. This is harmful to both textile and steel casings and will affect safety and tyre life.
Wheel alignment - misaligned wheels will lead to excessive tyre wear. A worn steering mechanism, ball joints and wheel bearings will also reduce tyre life.

Consult your vehicle manual for the proper size and speed rating. Some tyres are now marked with letters to indicate their speed ratings. Tyre speed ratings do not imply that vehicles can be driven safely at the maximum speed for which the tyre is rated, particularly under adverse road and weather conditions, or if the vehicle has unusual characteristics. No matter how good your car, or its tyres, this is not justification for breaking speed limits. If a tyre burst, do not apply the brakes, rather use the momentum and gears to slow down the vehicle. A sudden change in direction or braking will result in loss of control over the vehicle. Rather lose one rim than your car and probably your life!

Also view the following sections:

Crime as a Threat to Road Safety in South Africa

South Africans live in a country blessed with beauty and diversity. We share a country with a colourful history, having overcome rather significant and unique challenges. However proudly South African, we may be, we have to admit that we face serious challenges to safety daily in our homes, places

Toll Roads in South Africa

Why have toll roads? Roads form the main artery of economic competitiveness, growth and social development. Building roads costs billions of rands. Toll roads assist us in meeting the demands of social services, which are important for the growth of our country. Toll roads accelerate the availability

Who is Accisure

A proudly South African organisation, launched in 2017 with a mission to address the critical need for individuals to access the best medical care following injuries sustained at work or during daily commutes. Their aim is to provide a holistic membership experience, swiftly connecting commuters to

E-Hailing Taxi Services and Road Safety

Introduction Technology and smartphone apps have changed the way most of us gain access to taxi services. The E-Hailing taxi services industry has become a major role player in public transport. Even though it is very convenient, mostly well-regulated and safe, the E-Hailing taxi industry has also

Guide to Bus Passenger Safety

Introduction to Safety for Passengers There have been horrific and alarming bus crashes across the globe. Studies have however revealed that the transportation of school children is safest in buses and in fact significantly safer than transporting school children in minibuses, vans or other passenger

The Bus Industry in South Africa and Road Safety

Background info on South African Bus Industry The bus industry in South Africa has for many years made a vital contribution to the economic and social development of the country. As a provider of bus services it has and continues to provide mobility to millions of people who are dependent on public

Tyre Safety, Fitment and Road Safety