Motorists should make these three checks to avoid £2.5k fine

Stringent regulations are in place to guarantee that vehicles meet the minimum tyre standards, thereby reducing the risk of accidents

Motorists are being urged to check their tyres or risk a whopping £2,500 fine as strict rules ensure vehicles adhere to minimum tyre standards to cut accident risks.

The Highway Code highlights the need for correct tyre inflation as per manufacturer guidelines and mandates regular checks on the legal tread depth for all UK vehicles.

Poor tread depth can greatly extend a vehicle's stopping distance, heightening the risk of accidents in emergencies. James Harding from BlackCircle highlighted: "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."

He also warned: "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 regularly used will inevitably experience wear and tear. The appearance of any lumps, cracks or bulges can increase the risk of the tyre losing grip on the road, or worse, suffering a blowout.

Underinflated tyres

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

The procedure for checking tyre pressure is straightforward and quick.

Begin by taking off the dust cap from the valve, then attach a pressure gauge to the valve end.

The digital readout on the gauge will show the tyre's pressure, letting you know if inflation is needed. The necessary PSI for your tyres can be located in your vehicle's handbook.