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The Road Safety Authority (RSA) along with An Garda Síochána, the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) and the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA) are running a Tyre Safety Campaign throughout the month of October. This campaign urges motorists to take greater responsibility for the condition of their tyres to help prevent road traffic collisions.

Over the past twelve months, more than 180,000 (10.5%) drivers failed their National Car Test (NCT) due to poor tyre condition, with over 42,000 vehicles recorded as having dangerously low tread depths of less than 1.6mm.

Dangers of neglecting tyre maintenance or using incorrect or poor-quality tyres include:

• reduced control of vehicle,
• increased breaking distances, and
• increased risk of aquaplaning.

Regular tyre inspections can help prevent collisions and ensure safer journeys. This can be as simple as:

• carrying out a visual check before every journey,
• ensuring tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, and
• replacing tyres when tread depth falls below 3mm (the legal minimum is 1.6mm).

With that in mind, here are some things to consider when inspecting your tyres or purchasing replacements.

Types of tyres

In Ireland, the most used tyres are summer tyres – although the name explicitly states ‘summer’ these can be driven all year round and the term is used to differentiate from winter tyres.

All-season tyres are a cross between summer and winter tyres, designed for all weather conditions and can be identified with the sidewall marking “all-season” and have additional markings of MS (mud and snow).

Irish law does not require road users to fit winter tyres. These tyres are made from softer rubber, giving them better grip in snow and icy conditions. Due to the Irish climate, these tyres are not necessary.

However, if you live in an area where there is frequently snow or ice through winter, you may wish to install a set of snow tyres.

Always install a full set of four to reduce the risks of over and under steer. A vehicle will fail its roadworthiness test if the two tyres on the one axle are not the same size or type.

Once the weather warms up and chance of snow and ice is gone, remove snow or winter tyres and reinstall all-season or summer tyres.

Performance labelling

Tyre labels show the tyre’s wet grip, fuel efficiency, and noise performance, helping drivers choose tyres that match their priorities and driving conditions.

Wet grip:

Tyres have reduced grip on wet roads, which increases stopping distances. Each tyre is given a performance rating ranging from A (best performance) to G (worst performance).

A vehicle fitted with Class A tyres will stop in the shortest distance from 80 km/h, while Class B tyres require an additional 3–6 metres. Lower-rated tyres continue this trend, resulting in even longer braking distances.

Fuel efficiency:

One of the factors influencing the fuel efficiency of a vehicle is the rolling resistance of tyres. Similarly, tyres are given a measure of rolling resistance ranging from A (most fuel efficient) to G (least fuel efficient).

Vehicles with Class C tyres use 1 litre more fuel than those with Class B tyres over a 1,000 km journey.

Noise:

To address traffic noise pollution, labels split tyres into three sound categories based on the noise they produce.

• 1 black sound wave: least noise produced, compliant with future tighter EU limits
• 2 black sound waves: already compliant with the future EU limits
• 3 black sound waves: compliant with the current EU limit

E-mark and S-mark on tyres

The E-mark confirms that a tyre meets minimum EU standards for size, load, and speed rating, and that it has been tested to ensure adequate tread depth and performance.

The S-mark certifies that the tyre’s noise levels comply with EU standards.

Purchasing second-hand tyres

When buying second-hand or part-worn tyres, it is important to check for an E-mark on the tyre and check that there is a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm.

Make sure that the tyre has undergone a condition check to ensure it is free from defects that may compromise safety. Common defects include tears, lumps and bulges.

Remembering to regularly check your tyres could save your, or someone else’s life.

For more information on tyre safety and maintenance, visit the RSA website to access their guide or visit ITIA to learn more.

 

Sources: Tyre Safety Day 2025 – Irish Tyre Industry Association

tyre-safety-booklet2b07b842a4884313b177695d063b776c.pdf

Tyre Labelling – Atlas Autoservice and Tyres