Mixing tyres dangerous

Land Transport NZ is warning motorists about driving vehicles fitted with the wrong tyres following a fatal smash in Levin this year.

Tests conducted in Australia on behalf of New Zealand police found that the crash vehicle was fitted with traditional summer tyres on the front axle and specialist winter (snow) tyres on the rear.

Land Transport NZ vehicles manager Don Hutchinson said such mixing could lead to a loss of control if a driver made a sharp or sudden turn. It was worse in wet conditions.