GT Tyres in Forres backs TyreSafe's Tyre Safety Month
Sponsored Editorial
A family-run tyre retailer wants to make more drivers aware of the dangers caused by worn, damaged and underinflated tyres.
Those working at GT Tyres Forres, want to use their skills and knowledge to help educate young, new and even experienced drivers on the consequences of driving on tyres that are no longer fit for purpose.
George Cameron, from Nairn, has been with the company since 2005.
The 38-year-old workshop manager said: "Tyres are the only parts of the vehicle which are in continuous contact with the road, your safety depends on a relatively small contact patch area.
“It is, therefore, of paramount importance that tyres should be maintained in good condition at all times and that when the time comes to change them the correct replacements are fitted.
"Tyres are often a distressed purchase and can be given very little thought - with often the cheapest option being selected.
“This is where GT Tyres Forres comes in, unlike many other outlets we are different in the service we provide, we involve customers in the decision-making process, you are given all the correct information which allows a more informed choice to be made and there is never any obligation to buy, the advice is free. We are trying to educate and to raise awareness when it comes to tyre safety. If we don’t who will?
"This is a family-owned independent business and you get a personal touch. The customer service doesn't stop after your tyres have been fitted, we'll continue to offer advice if needed, how to make your tyres last as long as possible, things you can do yourself or with our help and you're always welcome back for a chat to discuss how your recent purchase is going.
*We want drivers to bring their vehicles to us, so we can inspect them in advance before replacement tyres are even required, this will help with budgeting and allow some forward planning, tyre options can be discussed along with anything else, our biggest advantage as an independent tyre retailer is that we are multi-branded, we stock thousands of tyres from various manufactures and have prices to suit all budgets."
October is Tyre Safety Month, TyreSafe's flagship campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the critical role tyres play in road safety.
With an overarching goal of reducing the number of tyre-related incidents on our roads, Tyre Safety Month has become an annual fixture, bringing attention to the importance of regular tyre maintenance.
According to TyreSafe, one in five drivers have never checked their tyres and 159 people are killed or seriously injured from defective tyre-related accidents (UK average).
TyreSafe's motto, safe tyres save lives, encourages motorists to ACT now.
You should check your vehicle's tyres at least once a month and before journeys.
This includes air pressure, condition and tread depth of your tyres.
GT Tyres Forres also offers Hunter wheel alignment services, brakes, exhaust and suspension repair work.
George added: “I’ve been with the company for almost 20 years, along with my colleague Gary Black who joined way back in 1986, we have seen it all and heard it all, no question is too silly, all our staff are happy to help.
"When it comes to tyres, there is not enough awareness and education, a lot of motorists get a false sense of security, car passes MOT, they think it's ok for another year, but what's legal and what's safe are two different things, 1.6mm of tread is the legal limit, at 50mph in wet conditions it takes eight meters longer to stop than a tyre which has 3mm remaining tread depth, our recommended depth to consider replacements.
"We see a lot of illegal tyres, many drivers are often unaware of the risks associated with driving on unsafe or illegal tyres.
"Driving with unsafe or illegal tyres can result in significant penalties, including fines, points on your licence and even losing your licence, a fine of up to £2500 and three penalty points per tyre can be the punishment."
David and Joanne Philip have owned GT Tyres Forres for over three years. Co-owner David said: "Tyre safety isn't just about ticking boxes- it's about keeping you, your passengers, and other road users safe.
"Worn or damaged tyres can seriously impact how your vehicle handles, especially in wet or icy conditions.
"Checking your tyres regularly can be the difference between avoiding an accident and becoming a statistic. At GT Tyres Forres, we take tyre safety seriously and we’re always here to offer advice or a quick check, no strings attached.
“Safety should never be compromised, and it starts with your tyres."
TyreSafe found that there are 10 million illegal tyres on Britain's roads every year - which is potentially one in four cars and vans.
There are also 2,200,000 MOT failures due to tyre defects every year.
To find out more about how you can stay safe on the roads call GT Tyres Forres, which is located in the Greshop Industrial Estate or visit https://www.tyresafe.org/.
