Drivers are being warned to check the state of their car's tyres, as not doing so could cost as much as £10,000 in fines. Research has found that more than one in 10 motorists could be driving with unsafe tyres.
And the fines for being caught with tyres that are below safe limits are eye-watering. Insurance comparison website Compare the Market carried out the study, which found that three in four motorists didn't know how or feel comfortable to do basic car maintenance.
This included things like checking and changing oil, replacing windscreen wipers and making sure tyres have the required tread depth. Tyre condition is particularly important, as tyres that are too worn compromise safety.
Drivers that are found with illegal tyres could be hit with a £2,500 penalty and three penalty points per tyre - potentially a £10,000 fine, reports the LiverpoolECHO.
Anna McEntee, director at Compare the Market, said: “Our research suggests that more than one in 10 motorists may be driving without the correct tyre tread depth, this raises some safety concerns. The tread depth of your tyres can seriously compromise your vehicle’s traction and grip, especially in poor weather conditions.
"Not only does this put the driver and passengers at risk but also the safety of other road users. There are a number of simple tricks that can be used to ensure your tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, which is the legal limit, such as the 20p test.”
By UK law, the minimum tread depth required for a vehicle's tyres is 1.6mm. There are simple ways drivers can check their tyre tread depth meets these standards, including using the indicator 'bump' on the tyre itself to make sure the tread is above it.
Another simple way to check your tyre tread depth is using a 20p coin:
Insert the coin into the main grooves in several places around the tyre.
The outer band of a 20p coin is 1.6mm. When you insert it into the grooves, this outer rim of the coin should not be visible.
If you can see part of the coin rim, your tyres may need replacing. Get them checked out by a qualified tyre specialist.
If your tyres are below 1.6mm they should be replaced immediately.
