Michelin’s Fill Up With Air campaign, which visited five locations across Ireland, aims to show drivers the importance of keeping tyres in good condition and checking they are at the correct pressure.
Driving with the wrong tyre pressures puts more stress on the vehicle’s steering and suspension components and can cause it to burn extra fuel, costing drivers more and emitting addition carbon emissions.
If every car in the Republic of Ireland was running on correctly inflated tyres, then the nation could save a massive €30 million on fuel and reduce its CO2 emissions by a staggering 58,000 tonnes.
Noel Brett, Chief Executive Officer of the Road Safety Authority said, “The Fill Up with Air campaign was a great success in encouraging people to have their tyre pressure checked. It highlighted the importance of maintaining the correct tyre pressure and tyre condition. Damaged, worn or under-inflated tyres can affect the car’s handling and poses a serious safety threat for motorists.”
The Fill Up With Air campaign found that more than 60 percent of drivers in Ireland were operating on dangerous or very dangerous tyres, putting their own and other road users’ lives at risk. More than 6 percent of motorists had neglected to spot a punctured tyre.
With winter weather setting in Michelin is once again urging drivers to take special care on the roads and keep their tyres in tip-top condition. Drivers should check their tyres at least once a month, and especially before a long journey. Changing to winter tyres can enhance safety during the colder months.
More advice on choosing the correct tyre and how to keep it in good condition can be found at www.michelin.ie.