While almost half of Belgians (48.7%) going on vacation this summer will go by car, around seven in ten drivers do not know how to replace a flat tyre, according to a recent survey.
The survey, carried out by iVOX and Japanese tyre company Bridgestone, found that 83.9% of Belgian car owners said they check their tyre pressure before leaving on vacation, and 80.7% also pay attention to the general condition of their tyres, such as wear, cracks or tears.
However, if something were to go wrong on the road, most people indicated that they would not know how to solve it. A flat tyre, for example, remains a challenge: only one in three (31%) say they can replace a tyre themselves.
In case of a flat tyre, 41.1% indicated that they would call a breakdown service (a figure to rose to 47.6% among the over-55s), while 11.4% would contact family or friends (rising to 19.8% among young adults (aged 18-34). While just over one in ten (10.8%) said that they would use a puncture repair kit, nearly one in 20 (4.6%) would continue to drive with run-flat tyres.
Credit: Belga
But paying close attention to your tyres before you leave on vacation is very important. Danny Smagghe, spokesperson for breakdown assistance service Touring, told The Brussels Times that "the right summer tyres play an essential role, especially during long summer journeys in high temperatures and with heavily loaded vehicles on the way to holiday destinations."
He explained that many drivers think they are saving money by using their tyres until they reach the legal wear limit, without taking into account seasonal characteristics, the weight of a fully loaded car or the heat on the motorway. "But this approach can seriously compromise safety. A worn or poorly fitting tyre increases braking distance, reduces grip and increases the risk of a blowout at high speeds."
Essential summer tips for safety and comfort
Car journeys when the weather is (very) warm require extra attention to the condition of the vehicle – especially the tyres, which are crucial for grip, stability and driving safety.
- Check the tyre pressure and condition of the tyres, including the spare tyre.
- Test the puncture repair kit and check that you have the right tools.
- Top up the windscreen washer fluid.
- Have the air conditioning cleaned and serviced.
- Check the attachment of roof boxes, trailers or bicycles.
- Bring water, snacks, games for children and appropriate clothing, such as light outfits and closed shoes.
