Motorists across the UK are being urged to conduct a vital safety check as colder conditions set in, with a common winter tyre oversight carrying a potential penalty of £2,500 per tyre and three penalty points.
The Hidden Danger in Your Tread
According to motoring expert Tina Newman from leading independent tyre specialist Just Tyres, a superficial glance at your tyres is insufficient for winter driving. The critical mistake many make is focusing on visible damage or deflation while overlooking the legally mandated tread depth.
"Many people look for damage or deflation but forget about tread depth. This is where most fines occur," Tina explained.
UK law requires car tyres to have a minimum tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of their circumference. The danger lies in uneven wear, which often affects the inside edge of the tyre first. This means a tyre can appear perfectly legal from the outside while actually being unsafe and illegal.
Severe Financial and Safety Consequences
The repercussions of driving with illegal tyres extend far beyond the initial fine. Should you be involved in an accident with tyres below the legal limit, your insurance provider may refuse your claim entirely or significantly reduce the payout.
This occurs because your vehicle would be classified as unroadworthy, leaving you personally liable for all damages. The combination of a maximum £10,000 total fine for four illegal tyres, penalty points, and potential insurance invalidation creates a substantial financial risk.
The 60-Second Safety Check You Can Do Today
The good news is that checking your tyres requires no specialist tools or mechanic visit. You can perform a reliable check in less than a minute using a simple coin.
Here is the quick method recommended by experts:
- Insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre.
- If the outer band of the coin remains visible, your tread depth is likely below the 1.6mm legal limit.
- Additionally, regularly check tyre pressure, especially before long journeys.
- Look for any cuts, bulges, exposed cords, or uneven wear patterns, all of which indicate a need for replacement.
This check becomes particularly crucial during winter months, as cold and wet weather hardens rubber compounds and reduces grip. Shallow tread depth severely compromises a tyre's ability to clear water from the road surface, dramatically increasing the risk of aquaplaning and extending stopping distances.
"A few minutes checking your tyres could save you thousands of pounds and keep you safe on icy roads," Tina added.
For drivers seeking professional reassurance, Just Tyres offers complimentary safety checks and expert advice at their centres nationwide, with no appointment necessary.
