The three checks drivers must make or risk being fined £2,500

Motorists across the country are being urged to make a number of checks to their car's tyres or risk a £2,500 fine. Strict rules are in place to ensure that vehicles across the country meet minimum tyre standards so that they reduce the risk of causing an accident.

For example, the Highway Code states that motorists should take special care to ensure that tyres are correctly inflated according to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications. Furthermore, there is a legal tyre tread depth for all vehicles in the UK.

This must be regularly checked and amended if necessary. This is because a lower tread depth can significantly increase the stopping distance of a vehicle, making it more difficult to avoid an accident if an emergency stop is required.

James Harding, from BlackCircles, said: "Data published by Road Safety GB revealed that there are around 6 million illegal tyres in operation across the UK. Worryingly, many motorists don't regularly check the condition of their vehicle's tyres and are unaware of the consequences they could face if they're found to have illegal tyres.

"Illegal tyres not only pose a risk to the driver, but also to other road users and pedestrians. For instance, if your car's tread depth is below the legal limit, it reduces the vehicle's grip on the road, increasing the likelihood of a hard stop and potential accident.

"In addition to endangering yourself and others, illegal car tyres could result in a substantial fine and three penalty points on your licence. Drivers can be fined up to £2,500 for each illegal tyre, meaning those risking four illegal tyres could face fines of up to £8,000.

"The repercussions don't end there, as an accident caused by illegal tyres could invalidate your insurance policy, adding further financial strain."

Three tyre checks that must be carried out to avoid a fine

Low tread depth

One of the most common mistakes made by drivers is having tyres with a tread depth below the legal requirement of 1.6mm. The purpose of tyre treads is to prevent water and road debris from affecting the grip of the tyres when the vehicle needs to halt.

If the tread depth is less than the legal limit of 1.6mm, it increases the likelihood of water not being able to pass through the tread, resulting in reduced grip on the road.

A simple way to check your tyre tread depth is by using a 20p coin and inserting it into the main grooves of the tyre. If the outer band of the coin is visible, the tyre may have insufficient tread. It's always recommended to check multiple spots around your tyre.

Damaged tyres

While many drivers regularly inspect their car's paintwork and interior, tyres are often overlooked. Checking the overall condition of a vehicle's tyres should not be limited to the annual MOT.

Tyres that are frequently used will experience wear and tear. Any lumps, cracks or bulges that appear can increase the risk of the tyre losing its grip on the road or, worse, suffering a blowout.

Underinflated tyres

Underinflated tyres are a widespread issue, yet many drivers remain oblivious to the potential hazards they pose. A telltale sign of an underinflated tyre is sagging sides, which can lead to excessive road grip and compromised vehicle handling, particularly when cornering, increasing the risk of loss of control.

Learning how to check tyre pressure is straightforward and quick. Begin by removing the dust cap from the valve, then attach a pressure gauge to the valve end.

The gauge's digital readout will indicate the tyre's pressure, letting you know if inflation is required. Your vehicle's handbook will provide the necessary PSI for your tyres.