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Survey results show that defective tyres have been reported in 20 per cent of cars owned by Generation Y drivers.
By comparison, the national average of motorists reporting receiving defective notices because of tyres is only 8 per cent. National vehicle crash test organisation ANCAP (the Australasian New Car Assessment Program) will now push for tyre-pressure monitors to be mandatory on new cars.
The result of the national Canstar Blue survey indicates that of the 10 million cars on Australian roads, about 800,000 are travelling on substandard tyres that can lead to serious accidents.
"Tyre pressure monitoring is included in the safety assist technology (SAT) part of our Road Map plan to upgrade safety standards,'' says ANCAP CEO Nick Clarke. "The Road Map, which started last year, sets out the standards required for achieving ANCAP star ratings over the next five years. "It is reviewed annually in consultation with industry.
"We have high expectations about the role SATs will play in reducing the road toll.'' Mandatory tyre-pressure monitors in Australia would follow the European Union that from this year will require new cars to be fitted with the devices. A survey by tyre group Kwik Fit claims 68 per cent of cars on European roads have underinflated tyres.
But it also found that less than half of motorists would recognise the tyre pressure warning light if it came on. Kwik Fit found that 34 per cent thought the image meant their coolant was overheating while some thought the light warned of a cattle grid in the road ahead.
The Australian Canstar Blue survey found that Generation Y respondents were far more likely than any other generation to have had their car defected over bald tyres (at 20 per cent of respondents) compared with 11 per cent of Generation X and only 3 per cent of Baby Boomer respondents.
The survey also showed 18 er cent of respondents lack the skills and knowledge to change a tyre. This figure comprised of 6 per cent of male respondents and 36 per cent of female respondents. Experts such as the automobile clubs say motorists who neglect to check their tyre tread for signs of wear could - at best - be at risk of poor fuel economy, and less responsive handling and braking.
Car owners should make it a priority to ensure their tyres have ample tread which helps disperse water and grip the road, they say. They warn that, at worst, bald tyres can lead to tyre failure, punctures and can impact on your ability to steer and brake effectively and the potential to have an accident. Motorists are urged to check their tyres once a month and before long trips.
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