Drivers should regularly check their tyres to make sure they are roadworthy Drivers are being warned to take care of their tyres or face losing their insurance cover. All motor insurance policies have a clause to that effect. If the roadworthiness of a car is found to be the major contributory factor in an accident, the insurance company can claim the policy is invalid.

Several items can cause an accident: poor driver attention, inappropriate speed or a mechanical issue. The most common mechanical issues listed as contributory factors in accidents are tyres and brakes. Independent motor engineer and insurance assessor David Geary said: “I know of several cases where an insurance company has ­invalidated a policy because a vehicle that was involved in an accident was not maintained correctly.

” Tom Dennigan, head of Continental Tyres Ireland, says tyres have such an important effect on the overall roadworthiness of a vehicle that his network would always encourage drivers to regularly check their tyres. Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel Stay up to date with all the latest news.