How much damage do cats' eyes do to tyres?

[456GT]

I drive a lot in rural areas and cats' eyes are everywhere. And as anyone who lives in the country will know, there is always something to overtake!

I try to avoid them when I can but sometimes when you get that thud-thud-thud under your wheels, how much damage are you doing? How much do they shorten the life of your tyres?

[456GT]

Thanks for the input, guys.

That story is from a good few years ago so hopefully thing have improved since then...

[456GT]

Captain Muppet said:

How long do your tyres last? What car, which tyres?

We need data to answer this, and no one has it. So if you write down your details, then when those tyres are worn out by another set the same and avoid cat's eyes for the life of those tyres.

If we can get a statistically significant group of people to do the same we'll have an answer.

Although anecdotal evidence seems to suggest the effect is insignificant, as I used to drive along with my RHS tyres on the cat's eyes in the centre of the road whenever safe to do so to annoy the girl I went out with for the 3 years I had my AX GT, and tyre wear seemed even.

I like your little story there!

I don't have any data on tyre wear as I've only had the car for a couple of years (Mondeo Mk 4: summer: 235/45 R18; winter: 215/55 R16). I only asked the question as I always wince when I have to go over cats' eyes and I wanted to see what the views were of fellow PHers.

Edited by 456GT on Tuesday 11th June 09:49