Stay safe and make a PACT with safety

SPRING is on its way… it might be taking a while to get here as winter clings on stubbornly, but soon the clocks change and light evenings will be with us.

Bikers aiming to make the most of their rides are being urged  to make a ‘PACT’ with their tyres.

The call is being made by TyreSafe ahead of one of the most important times of the year for bikers.

TyreSafe’s ‘PACT’ stands for Performance, Air pressure, Condition and Tread depth and has been designed to act as a reminder to riders that they can maximise their enjoyment and their bike’s performance. Doing so has many benefits, including improved handling, grip and fuel economy, if they check their tyre’s air pressure, condition and tread depth.

“While many commuters use their motorbikes all year round, for others, Easter marks the start of their biking season,” explains Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. “And while it’s important to make regular tyre checks throughout the season, it’s particularly critical to make sure tyres are safe and legal at the start of spring after any periods of inactivity.”

During the winter months when many riders’ motorbikes are in storage, tyre pressures will naturally fall. Without inflating these back to the correct levels, not only will riders suffer from increased tyre wear and reduced fuel economy but the bike’s handling and the rider’s safety will be compromised.

Tyres on bikes that have not been used for particularly periods may also suffer from cracking which can lead to further safety-related issues if left unchecked.

“By giving their tyres a thorough inspection at this critical time of the year, riders can have sufficient confidence that they can be fully committed when tackling any corners, braking or making any overtaking manoeuvres,” adds Jackson.

To help riders prepare their bikes for the months ahead, free tyre safety checks are being offered by many tyre and bike retailers throughout the UK.

However, for those making checks themselves, attention should be paid to ensure that there are no cuts, cracks or bulges, and that there is adequate tread depth to meet the legal requirements. Tyres should also be inflated to the bike manufacturers’ recommended levels.

For safe rider this spring, motorcyclists should follow TyreSafe’s PACT advice:

P – Performance, including grip, handling and fuel economy will all be improved with correct tyre care.

A – Air pressure is essential for maximum performance. Pressures should be checked at least once a week using an accurate pressure gauge.

C – Condition is critical to road safety. Inspect tyres for any bulges, cuts, uneven wear or objects embedded in the tread.

T – Tread depth is essential for safety on wet roads. Check that your tread depth is not below the legal minimum of 1mm (for bikes over 50cc).

For further tyre maintenance advice, visit www.tyresafe.org