Tyre safety and MOT failures on the rise.

TyreSafe has aired its concern at the implication for road safety of skyrocketing MoT failure rates caused by defects with vehicles' Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). More than 23,000 vehicles required a retest following identification of TPMS issues in 2016 compared with a little over 7000 in 2015 - an enormous rise of 212%.

TPMS became mandatory on all new passenger vehicles sold after 1 November 2014 as a safety feature to help reduce the number of vehicles being driven with tyre pressures significantly - even dangerously - below the recommended settings.

As of 1 January 2015, all vehicles first used after 1 January 2012 and equipped with a TPMS by the manufacturer must have a functioning system to pass its MoT. TyreSafe had expected the widespread introduction of this technology to lead to an increase in MoT failures in 2016 as more cars were equipped with these systems. However, the startling rise in failures due to TPMS defects - more than treble - was unexpected.

Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe chairman, said: "TPMS adds significantly to general tyre safety making it easy for the driver to know if their pressures aren't at the right level when out on the road. But, clearly, even though Britain's motorists are being warned there's a safety issue they're choosing to ignore it. Regrettably, this leap in MoT failures due to TPMS defects underlines that a poor attitude to tyre safety is not an issue exclusively associated with older vehicles.

"TyreSafe urges motorists to put tyre safety higher up their list of driving priorities and check their tyres and TPMS are in roadworthy condition."

So if you live in Solihull, Redditch, Northfield, Longbridge, Barnt Green, Alverchurch, Kings Norton, Bournville, Selly Oak give me a call on 0121 514 7176 or 07599032629 this week as I am working in these area's mostly and may be able to pop over to you free of charge. But if you don't then don't worry as if you live in any area with a "B" post code call and I can discuss possible options to help you avoid those MOT failures and save money too.