Tyre health warning as National Highways launches awareness campaign

Tyre issues top the table for vehicle breakdowns during February and March on motorways and A-roads over the past three years, according to new analysis by National Highways.  

Records show that there were 5,934 incidents in 2021, 7,095 in 2022 and 7,762, last year. 

Problems with tyres range from punctures, emergency brake damage and driving at speed, which increases the risk of damage and misalignment.

Wear and tear is also a factor - if the tread depth is below 1.6mm you cannot legally drive on the roads and must have your tyres replaced.

Meanwhile, driving with under inflated tyres, even by as little as 10%, makes the braking distance longer, can make a vehicle harder to steer, uses more fuel and shortens the lifespan of tyres. 

Loss of power and an empty fuel tank make up the top three reasons why people broke down on motorways and A-roads in England during the same periods between 2022 and 2023. 

The figures are revealed as National Highways launches its spring ‘TRIP’ campaign to encourage drivers to carry out vehicle checks as well as factoring in rest stops before they set of on any long or significant journey.  

The acronym TRIP stands for: Top-up – fuel, water and oil; Rest – every two hours; Inspect – tyres and lights and Prepare – plan your journey ahead and check the traffic and weather forecasts. 

Paul Beecher, national network manager at National Highways said: “Our advice is simple; a few basic checks before you set-off can make the world of difference. The acronym TRIP is just about trying to drive that message home.” 

Figures also showed ‘loss of power’ was responsible for 2,230 breakdowns between February and March in 2021, 2,920 during the same period in 2022 and 3,052 last year.  

An empty fuel tank was responsible for 918 breakdowns between February and March in 2021, 1,149 during the same period in 2022 and 1,001 breakdowns last year. 

Engine failure and clutch or gear problems make up the top five causes of breakdowns during the same periods.  

Other causes of breakdowns between February and March over the past three years included electrics, batteries, overheating and brakes. 

National Highways is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving 4,500 miles of England’s motorways and major A-roads.

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