Drivers nationwide are being advised to conduct several checks on their vehicle's tyres to avoid a hefty £2,500 fine. Stringent regulations are in place to guarantee that vehicles meet the minimum tyre standards, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.

The Highway Code, for instance, emphasises the importance of ensuring tyres are properly inflated according to the manufacturer's specifications. Additionally, there is a legally mandated tyre tread depth for all UK vehicles, which must be regularly inspected and corrected if necessary.

A lower tread depth can substantially increase a vehicle's stopping distance, making it more challenging to avoid accidents in emergency situations. James Harding of BlackCircle warned: "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 further cautioned that "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 see regular use will inevitably suffer from wear and tear. The emergence of any lumps, cracks or bulges can heighten the risk of the tyre losing traction on the road, or worse, experiencing a blowout.

Underinflated tyres

Underinflated tyres are a common problem, yet many motorists remain unaware of the potential dangers they present. A clear indicator of an underinflated tyre is sagging sides, which can result in excessive road grip and compromised vehicle handling, especially when taking corners, thereby increasing the risk of loss of control.

The process of checking tyre pressure is simple and quick.

Start by removing the dust cap from the valve, then connect a pressure gauge to the valve end.

The digital readout on the gauge will display the tyre's pressure, informing you if inflation is necessary. The required PSI for your tyres can be found in your vehicle's handbook.