MOTORISTS could be putting lives at risk by using high pressure water washers to clean their vehicles.
This is the warning from TyreSafe, which was formerly known as the independent Tyre Industry Council.
It says that the problem is being made worse because there are now tens of thousands of companies operating mobile car wash services that involve the use of high-pressure hoses.
TyreSafe has issued a warning of a potential safety risk involving the equipment used by these groups that could lead to potential tyre failure.
It warns that there is growing evidence that pressure washers used by hand car wash providers can cause tyre damage unknown to most motorists and that they could be putting their own lives and those of their passengers and other road users at risk.
Heavy-duty pressure washer machines are capable of dispensing water at extremely high pressure and if aimed directly at the tyre, the jet can cause sidewall damage, especially if the water is heated or if the pressurised water is applied for an extended period.
German safety group DEKRA has discovered that if a washer nozzle is held close to a tyre at very high pressure, serious damage can occur in just five seconds.
Even tyres that appear undamaged after being subjected to a pressure washer may have microscopic perforations that can weaken the sidewall and cause a blow-out.
Other contributory factors to sidewall damage are the width of the water jet and the strength of any soaps or detergents used. Strong soap can remove protective chemicals that are embedded in the sidewall.
TyreSafe advises:
* A light-to-medium duty pressure washer of 110 bar or less should be used
* The washer jet nozzle should be at least 20cm from the tyre
* Always use a fan nozzle rather than a circular nozzle
* Avoid prolonged exposure to a specific area of the tyre
* Do not aim the water jet directly at the join between the tyre and the rim
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