Drivers warned over £10,000 fine for missing one car check in December
As winter progresses, motorists have been advised to check a certain safety feature on their car over winter to avoid a hefty penalty.
Drivers have been urged to use an unlikely item to check a vital safety feature on their car that could help them avoid serious consequences over the winter months.
Whilst many Brits have adjusted to the cold temperatures, their vehicles often need more maintenance during winter to help them stay safe and free from fines.
In particular, Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator, highlighted that drivers should regularly check the tread depths of their tyres in order to avoid a hefty fine.
He warned: "This applies to cars, vans, and light trailers. You could face a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre that doesn’t meet the legal standard and three penalty points per tyre below the legal tread depth.
"This means that if you have four illegal tyres, it could result in a £10,000 fine and 12 points, potentially leading to disqualification."
Whilst it may seem trivial, the grooves in tyres are particularly useful over winter, helping to cut through mud and snow whilst sweeping water away, all of which can help a driver avoid skidding.
In order to maintain control over a vehicle under normal driving conditions and avoid serious fines, drivers should have at least 1.5mm of tread depth on all tyres.
The easiest way to check whether a tyre is safe and legal is by inserting a 20p coin into the grooves. Motorists who can still see the outer band of the coin should get the tyre replaced as soon as possible.
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Marc also warned that worn out tyres can also have a significant impact on how long a vehicle needs to stop, which can vastly increase the risk of serious accidents.
He explained: "Tyres with low tread depth are less effective at gripping the road, especially in wet conditions and the tyre’s ability to channel water away is compromised, increasing the risk of losing control.
"Worn tyres also increase braking distances, increasing the risk of accidents. If you are involved in an accident and your tyres are found to be under the legal requirement, your insurance claim may be denied, leaving you liable for damages."
