As the summer holiday season approaches, rising temperatures both in the UK and on the Continent mean that many more families will be making their annual exodus by car.

So, to help motorists embarking on long car journeys enjoy a safer trip, Continental Tyres is urging drivers to give their tyres a Holiday Health Check which could identify potentially dangerous faults.

Tim Bailey, safety spokesperson for Continental Tyres, continues to be surprised by the level of ignorance UK drivers display when it comes to issues such as tyre safety:

"Recent research shows that 85 per cent of drivers are unaware of the minimum legal tread depth for tyres and 90 per cent have never checked their tyre pressure2. Tyres are the sole point of contact between a car, caravan or trailer and the road surface. Therefore the condition of those tyres has a direct impact on that vehicle's ability to brake, corner and accelerate safely - especially in wet conditions".

"This is important under any circumstances but holiday driving places even greater demands on a tyre's ability to perform. Not only does the increased weight of a fully-laden car change its handling characteristics and braking performance but the driver may well be travelling on unfamiliar roads representing an additional risk, especially if concentration wavers."

Whilst holidaymakers appear to plan for most unforeseen circumstances by packing items such as first aid kits, maps, emergency lights and jump leads4 it seems that tyres are often overlooked - perhaps because they are doing their job too well.

Tim continues: "Advances in materials, technology and design have enabled us to create tyres that are extremely low maintenance - yet not maintenance free. Tyre pressure checks are quick and simple but essential, since under-inflation may not be apparent until the pressures are actually checked."

"Motorists have a duty of care for both their own safety and that of their passengers. A Holiday Health Check could help avoid the chaos that results from accidents caused by poorly maintained tyres. Hopefully holidaymakers will heed our advice and enjoy a safe and happy summer."

Holiday Health Check for Tyres:

• Check the pressure of your tyres before setting off when tyres are cold. Adjust your tyre pressures according to the load in the car - a luggage-packed vehicle usually requires a higher tyre pressure (see your car handbook). Correct pressure will improve handling, whilst under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption and wear and tear on tyres. Note that just looking at a tyre is not sufficient to check for tyre pressure - a gauge must be used.

• Check the tread depth of your tyres - the minimum legal UK tread depth for both car and caravan tyres is 1.6mm

• Check your tyres for damage: look out for any cuts, cracks or bulges, as these can lead to slow punctures and blow-outs. If using a caravan or trailer, not only check pressure and tread depth, but also look out for sidewall cracking or distortion caused by standing in one position for a long time. Any tyre more than six years old should be replaced

• Don't forget to check the tyres on hire cars or caravans - legally you are still responsible for their roadworthiness even if it is not your vehicle

• Regardless of holidays, check the pressure and tread depth of your tyres every two weeks