UK motorists urged to do '20p test' before driving this summer
The simple check could help drivers know if they need to book a repair, as almost every vehicle needs it done eventually
The weather can turn roads into a major hazard in seconds. One minute it’s bone dry, and the next it’s hammering down with rain - and this is exactly when some drivers are caught out.
Safety experts are telling drivers to spend less than a minute giving their tyres a once-over before they set off, because sudden summer downpours (especially after a dry spell) can leave surfaces greasy as rain mixes with oil and grime. If your tread is already low, you are far more likely to lose grip when braking or steering on wet roads.
One quick trick uses something you’ve probably got in your pocket or somewhere in your car - a 20p coin. By slotting it into the main grooves of the tread at a few different points around each tyre, you can get an early warning that the rubber might be running close to the limit.
Ollie Green, car safety expert at Collect Service Go, said: "Most people don't think about their tyres until something feels wrong, but that's exactly why quick checks are useful.
"Summer can give you long stretches of dry weather followed by a really heavy downpour, and that change in conditions can catch drivers out. If your tyres are already worn, you don't want the first time you find out to be when you're trying to brake or steer on a wet road."
Ollie says the '20p test' should be done in several places because tyres don’t always wear evenly. Motorists should also look for obvious warning signs such as cracks, bulges, and uneven wear on the surface.
He said: "It sounds almost too simple, but it's a useful habit. It's important to remember that the 20p test isn't a replacement for properly measuring tread depth so, if you're concerned about a tyre, get it checked rather than relying on the coin test alone."
How to do the 20p test
The easy pocket change check is quick and simple - giving a rough idea of your tyre health almost instantly. To start, push a 20p coin into the main grooves across several points on each tyre.
If the outer rim of the coin is covered by the tread, the tyre should be above the UK’s legal minimum. If you can still see the rim, the tread may be too low, and the tyre should be checked properly.
What should I be looking for?
In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth for cars is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the full circumference. It can get painfully pricey if you’re caught below the limit.
Drivers can be hit with a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre - meaning four illegal tyres could total up to £10,000 and 12 points - essentially an instant ban.
In the UK, swapping a worn tyre isn’t exactly cheap. According to Checkatrade, you’re usually looking at about £45 to £250 per tyre once it’s fitted and balanced.
For most everyday cars, drivers typically end up paying around £70 to £120 for a decent mid-range replacement. The price can vary depending on the brand you choose, your tyre size, and whether you go to a garage or get it done via mobile fitting (which can cost a bit more for the convenience).
