Regular Checks of Tyres and Brakes Could Save Lives
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - The region's car owners are being urged to check their brakes and tyres as the summer months kick into high gear and travellers take to the roads.
Many road accidents in the Emirates are attributed to faulty brakes and worn tyres combined with high speeds, and a lack of awareness of the significantly reduced stopping distances associated with these factors leads to deaths on the road that could be prevented. In 2010 there were 225 people killed on Dubai's roads, down from 225 in 2009, according to Dubai Police.
Speed, condition of brakes and tyres, and road conditions are all contributing factors to stopping distance and travelling at just 80 km/h, a vehicle in good condition with good brakes and tyres can travel up to 60 metres before coming to a complete stop. This distance significantly increases with worn brakes and tyres.
"Tyres are a vehicle's only contact with the road and people can overlook the fact that worn tyres can kill. While brakes slow the rotation of the wheels, how quickly the car stops also depends on how much grip the tyres have on the road surface," said Asad Badami, Managing Director for A-MAP, the region's leading distributor of aftermarket automotive spare parts, batteries, tyres and lubricants.
"Without enough tread on tyres, the braking distance of a vehicle significantly increases. Combined with worn brake pads and linings or faulty brakes, and the high speeds on the roads in the UAE, unfortunately the likelihood is that a vehicle would come to a stop beyond the hazard the driver is trying to avoid," he added.
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently announced a road safety awareness campaign kicking off in June, with the CEO of RTA Traffic and Roads Agency, Maitha bin Udai, calling on those traveling over summer to conduct comprehensive check-ups of their vehicles to ensure their soundness.
"The safety of a car rests on a driver's ability to stop quickly and effectively. A car with failing brakes and worn tyres is a dangerous and uncontrolled hazard to road users," said Badami.
"Tyres are a relatively low cost safety feature. Given that the life expectancy of a well-maintained tyre is up to 60,000km, the running cost is not one that is prohibitive when they need to be replaced," he added.
A-MAP's European engineered FENIX branded tyres have been produced to the strictest European standards, and have been certified for the UAE. With the UAE's climate one of the detrimental factors affecting tyre performance, FENIX tyres have a very well designed tread pattern and have been engineered using cutting edge technology to withstand the heat. ASIMCO brake pads, also distributed by A-MAP, have a highly recognized reputation for good quality and excellence.
"A regular inspection of a vehicle's braking system will ensure the brakes are of good quality and safe. It is also important to note any changes in the feel of the brake pedal, such as feeling soft or making contact with the floor, and immediately having the brakes checked and ultimately replaced. An accident caused by faulty brakes is potentially preventable if the public are aware of the early warning signs," concluded Badami.
-Ends-
About A-MAP
A-MAP specializes in the distribution of aftermarket automotive spare parts, automotive batteries, tyres, and lubricants. Headquartered in the 'bustling trading hub' of Dubai, UAE, A-MAP operates a network of branch offices in Asia, Africa, and North America. With world- leading portfolio of brand names such as Solite, Fenix, Asimco, RBI, Crown, and Strada, A-MAP has mastered supply chain management systems to deliver the ultimate in client satisfaction.
For more information, please visit www.a-map.net.
For Press Information
Wallis Marketing Consultants
info@wallis-mc.com
+971.4.390.1950
© Press Release 2011
