Danger! Nearly half of Spanish drivers pay no attention to the condition of their car's tyres

Continental and the CEA Foundation have carried out a study revealing that nearly half of Spanish drivers do not give the attention they should to their car’s tyres. A figure that is truly alarming, considering that the tyres are the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road, and play a fundamental role in active safety.

Moreover, we are talking about users who, according to the study, drive their own car regularly in 70% of cases. That figure rises above 80% if we also include motorcycle users.

When it comes to checking tyres, 40% of the total participants in the study cite tread depth as the most important factor, ahead of pressures.

It is interesting that for 56% of women the most important thing is tread depth, compared with 34% of men. The tables turn when considering correct inflation pressures as the most important factor: 39% consider pressures to be the first thing to check, a percentage that drops to 25% among women.

Tread depth and tyre pressure: which is more important?

The study’s results show two things. Firstly, as already mentioned, that almost 50% of Spanish drivers neglect tyre maintenance. Secondly, that using correct pressures remains a factor to which insufficient importance is given. Because a new tyre with incorrect pressure is more dangerous than a premium-brand tyre close to its maximum wear limit that is running at the correct pressures.

Furthermore, using tyres with inadequate pressure not only affects safety, it also causes greater wear and increases the risk of a blowout.

Other data from the study reveal that the factors most taken into account when replacing tyres are the value for money (60%), the brand (40%) and the safety-related performance of the tyre (39%), which can be assessed by consulting the European tyre label.

Guide to tyre advice

In the following compilation you will find a series of articles on tyres that will help you keep them in good condition, solve problems and clear up many doubts.

• What to do if you suffer a tyre blowout
• Are used tyres safe?
• Tyres and fines: how you can be penalised
• The consequences of using incorrect tyre pressure
• How to make your tyres last longer
• Cracked tyres: what are they and what dangers do they pose?
• Find out your tyre’s real manufacturing date
• Learn how to measure your tyre pressure correctly