The role of tyres in road safety: More important than you think
When it comes to road safety, most drivers think about seatbelts, airbags, and brakes. While these are all critical, there’s one component that often gets overlooked which is tyres. They are the only part of your vehicle that actually touches the road, making them one of the most important factors in how safely your car performs.

Let’s take a closer look at why tyres are so crucial to road safety and how taking care of them can protect you and your passengers.

Tyres: the foundation of vehicle safety

Your tyres are responsible for translating every steering input, brake pressure, and acceleration into real movement on the road. No matter how advanced your car’s safety features are, they are only as effective as the condition of your tyres.
Poor tyre maintenance can lead to dangerous situations like skidding, loss of control or even blowouts all of which increase the risk of accidents.

Braking distance and grip

Tyres directly affect braking performance. A tyre with proper tread provides better grip on wet and dry surfaces, helping your car stop faster in emergencies. On the other hand, worn-out tyres reduce traction, increasing stopping distances and the chances of collisions.

Braking distance and grip

Tyres directly affect braking performance. A tyre with proper tread provides better grip on wet and dry surfaces, helping your car stop faster in emergencies. On the other hand, worn-out tyres reduce traction, increasing stopping distances and the chances of collisions.

Handling in different conditions

  • Wet roads: Tyres with good tread depth channel water away, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.

  • Dry roads: Healthy tyres improve cornering stability and steering precision.

  • Snow/ice: Specialised winter tyres are designed to maintain grip even in freezing conditions.

Having the right type of tyre for the season and terrain makes a huge difference in safety.

Fuel efficiency and stability
 Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, making your engine work harder. Not only does this waste fuel, but it also reduces tyre life and compromises stability at higher speeds. Proper inflation ensures your vehicle runs smoothly, efficiently, and safely.

Common tyre-related risks

  • Worn-out tread:Reduces grip and increases chances of skidding.

  • Under or over-inflation: Affects handling and braking performance.

  • Cracks or bulges: Signs of potential blowouts.

  • Uneven wear: Indicates misalignment or suspension issues, both of which impact safety.

How to keep your tyres road-safe
  • Check tyre pressure at least once a month.

  • Inspect tread depth (minimum legal limit is 1.6 mm, but more is safer).

  • Rotate your tyres every 8,000–10,000 km to ensure even wear.

  • Replace tyres every 5–6 years or sooner if they show damage.

  • Always use the right type of tyre for your driving conditions.

Tyres may not be the most exciting part of your vehicle, but they play an irreplaceable role in road safety. From maintaining grip to ensuring stability and reducing the risk of accidents, healthy tyres are essential for every journey.

For drivers who value safety and performance, Proshop offers expert tyre services from fitting and balancing to nitrogen filling and maintenance helping you drive with confidence every time you hit the road.