Dad got a spare tyre? Check it for Fathers’ Day

Done with gifts of socks and ties – why not the gift of shocks and tyres?

The Land Transport Safety Authority is suggesting vehicle safety checks be done as an additional Fathers’ Day present, noting that vehicle factors contribute to around 10 percent of fatal crashes every year.

“You can look after your dad by looking after his car,” LTSA spokesman Craig Dowling said today.

“It doesn’t have to cost anything more than a little time. If you are cleaning your dad’s car as a surprise then check the tyres as well. A tyre needs to have even tread over its surface or it won’t stop you in time in an emergency.

“Make sure there is the correct air pressure in a tyre too or it will affect the car’s steering and may also add to fuel costs.

“If your dad’s got a spare tyre then you should also check that. Space-saver or ‘emergency use’ tyres need to have higher air pressure than normal tyres.

“Many tyre companies offer free tyre checks – so with the money you save by encouraging your dad to have this done, you might still be able to buy some handkerchiefs.”

Tyres are cited in half of all fatal crashes where vehicle defects are a contributing factor. Tyre factors contributed to 130 accidents last year. Sixty-eight of these were attributed to worn-out tyres while 38 were due to a puncture or blow out.

How is your dad’s bounce? If it’s not what it should be then maybe you could shout him a suspension check as well.

“Faulty vehicle suspension can affect a vehicle’s road holding and general handling characteristics,” Mr Dowling said.

“By giving the gift of vehicle safety you can help keep your father on the straight and narrow.”

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