An investigation into the accidents involving subsequently recalled Toyota’s has revealed that the Japanese companies electronic were not to blame.

The announcement also showed that in “virtually all” cases where the driver had said they pushed the brake they had actually touched the accelerator.

The announcement will come as a relief to Toyota as since the incidents came to light they have had to recall over eight million vehicles world wide.

A spokesperson for the investigators said that factors for the accidents included “pedal entrapment, sticky pedal and foreign objects in the car”, the panel also highlighted “pedal misapplication” as a major cause of the accidents.

But many have criticised the findings describing them as “biased” and “wrong.” Car-safety advocate Joan Clybrook formerly of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) said:

"That is totally ludicrous,they should be looking at the electronics in their cars and everyone knows it."

Toyota will still face up to 325 lawsuits as a result of the incidents, one of which caused the deaths of four people. In one US case a man driving a Toyota in an accident was freed from jail after suggestion that it was not his fault and the car had malfunctioned.

Tyres can seem inexorably difficult subject to cover for the uninitiated.  However, they are one of the most simple parts of a vehicle to keep an eye on.   It is incredibly important to keep an eye on your tyres conditions too.  Not only is it illegal to have your tyres in bad shape but it’s unsafe.  

Tyre Tread Depth – What you need to know. 

It is a legal requirement in the UK that your tyre tread is a minimum depth.   The current legal limit in the UK is 1.6 millimetres, across the central 3/4 of the tread around the complete circumference of the tyre. 

Although this is the legal limit, most experts would recommend that you change your tyres earlier than this.  According to Autoexpress the best time to change your tyres is when your tread wares to 3 millimetres.  Tests show that it takes an extra 8 metres to stop when your tread is at the legal limit  compared to 3 millimetres.  According Tim Bailey of Continential Tyres:

“The Best balance between safety and economy is to consider changing at 3 millimetres”

Sobering: The difference in stopping distance between the two different tread depths

Under Pressure:  Keeping things inflated. 

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle is important.  According to the tyre experts kwickfit, there are 3 main reasons why you should maintain then correct tyre pressure for your vehicle. 

• The first and most important is safety.  Under inflated tyres can overheat and overinflated tyres lead to poor road handling. 
• The second is economy.  Under inflated tyres have increased rolling resistance and require more fuel to maintain momentum and they suffer more damage. 
• The third reason is that it’s better for the environment.  By maintaining the correct pressure you will reduce the CO2 emissions of your car. 

You can simply check your tyre pressure at the majority of garages and fuel stations.  It’s usually free or costs next too nothing. 

When checking your tyres you should look for any budges and objects imbedded in the tyre surface or tyre wall.  These cab cause a puncture or a blow out; nether are good. 

Note:  This article is meant as guidance only.  You should consult a qualified relevant professional before attempting any repairs or servicing.  You should also refer to your operators manual.