“There is no better time than the beginning of a new year to take inventory of your vehicle’s roadworthiness so that you and your passengers remain in safe hands with you behind the wheel,” says Lubin Ozoux, CEO of Sumitomo Rubber South Africa, one of South Africa’s largest tyre manufacturing companies and manufacturer of the Dunlop tyre brand.
“This year it’s especially critical, as we’re slowly returning to normality after a period where vehicles might not have been used as frequently, due to many still working from home last year and some schools still operating on rotational schedules,” adds Ozoux.
Ahead of an anticipated increase in traffic volumes throughout this month and well into 2022, Ozoux says it’s vital to double check tyre and vehicle safety.
“Your tyres are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road, so they are critical to safe stopping distances. As human movement ramps further up this year, you’ll be sharing the road with school kids, pedestrians and other vehicles, so being able to maintain a good grip on the road or to come to a rapid and safe stop when required, are important,” he says.
Do your bit to help keep the community safe during the year by driving safely and ensuring your tyres are in good health. Taking your car for a service or roadworthy check-up is a must in the new year, especially if you’ve recently enjoyed a holiday road trip that could have caused some wear and tear. Tyres are a pillar of the vehicle that cannot be ignored, and even perfect brakes will not help if tyre care is neglected.