The lack of tyre safety awareness among motorcyclists is one of the contributing factors to the high number of motorcycle accidents and casualties, says Assoc Prof. Dr. Law Teik Hua.
Commenting further, the Professor who heads the Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre said that tyre safety covers topics not only related to the amount of tyre wear, but also regarding tyre pressure, and tread condition. He also added that many motorists do not know how to make use of tyre wear indicators (TWI) and expiry dates.
“Many only change their tyres when they are completely worn out or when there is a puncture. A common myth is that if the tyre still looks thick, there’s no need to change it, without checking the actual age or rubber condition.
“There are also those who believe second-hand tyres or bald tyres provide better speed, which is a very dangerous misconception,” he told Bernama.
Prof. Law said the typical lifespan of a motorcycle tyre is between three to five years from the date of manufacture. However, for high-usage scenarios such as food delivery riders, tyres may need to be replaced every 1.5 to 2 years.
“Tyres that are safe for daily use should have treads with good grip, especially in wet conditions, compatible with the road surface, have durable construction, and possess the appropriate speed and load index for the motorcycle used,” he said.
Law said a tread depth of less than 1.6mm indicates that the tyre needs to be replaced, while a tread level that is flush with the TWI mark means the tyre is already worn out.
“Small cracks, bulges, or hardening of the tyre are signs of ageing or damage. Air pressure should also be checked weekly, based on the manufacturer’s specifications,” he said.
He also suggested that the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) take a more proactive approach to tyre safety education campaigns, including periodic inspections and mandating the use of tyres that comply with safety standards.
