With the school summer holidays fast approaching, TyreSafe, the UK’s leading tyre safety organisation, is urging motorists to check their tyres before they set off on their travels.

The organisation says that despite the recent poor weather, many families are likely to be staying on these shores for their annual break. With tightening budgets and a once-in-a-lifetime summer of sporting and cultural events this year, a staycation is more attractive than ever.

However, TyreSafe is advising car owners who remain in this country rather than flying abroad for their holidays, not to let their guard down when it comes to safe motoring.

Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe, said: “A lot of people make a checklist before they go on holiday, such as to remind themselves to pack a toothbrush, sun cream and other everyday essentials. However, we’d suggest that they put tyre checks at the top of the list so they can enjoy their holiday and arrive safely at their destination, whether it’s just for a day trip or further afield for a longer stay.

"Unfortunately, if previous years are anything to go by then roadside breakdown recovery crews will be kept very busy dealing with tyre related incidents. Last year the AA reported that it dealt with 57,000 tyre related call outs during the summer, making tyres the most common problem for its crews to fix."

He said many tyre-related incidents can actually be avoided with a few simple checks, which he summarised as: Air, Condition and Tread – ACT.

"Having the correct air pressure is vital at all times and particularly so when carrying extra weight, such as luggage, bikes and additional passengers. It may mean that vehicles need to have their tyres inflated to a higher pressure to stay safe. Details of correct tyre pressures can be found in the vehicle handbook, inside the fuel filler cap or on the driver’s door sill."

Topics