As South African families prepare for the busy back-to-school season, Dunlop Tyres SA is urging parents, guardians, and scholar transport drivers to make tyre safety a top priority. With traffic volumes rising, unpredictable weather, and the early-morning rush, ensuring vehicles are road-ready is more important than ever.
“Road safety starts long before the school bell rings,” says Keith Phelps, technical tyre expert at Dunlop Tyres SA. “Tyre checks are quick, easy, and one of the most effective ways to protect your family on the road. The ABC of tyre care gives every parent a clear, memorable way to keep their vehicles safe and school-run ready.”
The ABC of Tyre Care
A — Air Pressure
Maintaining correct tyre pressure is essential for safe handling, braking, and fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tyres are a leading cause of tyre failure and a major contributor to aquaplaning on wet roads. Parents are encouraged to check tyre pressure weekly, including the spare, to ensure vehicles remain safe and efficient.
B — Balance and Alignment
Proper wheel balancing and alignment keeps tyres wearing evenly and the vehicle stable, especially during the school commute. Misalignment can lead to unpredictable steering and longer stopping distances, increasing hazards on busy roads.
C — Condition
Tyres that are worn or damaged compromise grip, particularly in wet weather. Dunlop recommends a tread depth of at least 1.6mm for optimal safety. Regular checks for cuts, cracks, bulges, or uneven wear, even if minor, are essential for maintaining tyre performance.
Why Back-to-School Tyre Checks Matter
January brings heightened traffic, early-morning congestion, and the potential for sudden weather changes. Safe tyres improve braking performance and overall vehicle control, helping keep children and families secure on the journey to and from school.
“Safety is not just about seatbelts and speed limits — tyres are the first and only point of contact with the road,” adds Phelps. “Keep this simple reminder and teach your children from a young age about the importance of tyre care. It builds safer habits for everything that matters most.”
Dunlop’s Commitment to Safer Roads
Dunlop Tyres SA continues to champion road safety through informative content and expert tyre assessments available across its dealer network. Parents and scholar transport operators are encouraged to visit any Dunlop store for professional advice and tyre checks, ensuring their vehicles are fully prepared for the school term ahead.
