Everybody knows about tyre tread depth – and the 20p coin test – but a lot of drivers don’t realise there’s another big issue which can land you with a whopping £10,000 fine.
Driving in winter is fraught with dangers. There’s big puddles, black ice, snow flurries and of course, just the general freezing conditions which can give your engine, brakes, and tyres a challenge.
But although tread depth – ie having at least 1.6mm tread depth across the central 3/4 of the tyre – is still very important, a lot of people are forgetting to check one other tyre issue.
Read More: Households urged to claim £450 cost of living payment before February deadline
Tyre pressure is just as important to the safety of your tyre and if you get it wrong, can cost you big time.
During cold weather, tyres lose their pressure much more quickly. And if you are found with low tyre pressure, you could be fined £2,500 per tyre and get three points per tyre. So in effect, you’d cop a straight driving ban from accruing 12 points on top of your 10k fine.
Will Bullen, automotive expert at Xcite Car Leasing said: “In the winter months, you should check your tyre pressure once a week or you could face a hefty fine. If all four tyres fail, you could be looking at a £10,000 fine and 12 points on your license.”
Unlike tread depth, there’s no set figure for tyre pressure. That’s because every car has a different safe pressure amount. But your car handbook should tell you what your tyre pressure should be, and for most cars it’s somewhere between 30-40 PSU (that’s a pressure measurement).
Other things that can get you fined in winter include a snow covered number plate, driving with an ice covered windscreen and simply driving too fast or too close to other cars during icy or snowy conditions.
Xcite adds: “The definition of careless driving doesn’t simply apply to using your phone or drifting between lanes. Careless driving can include simple mistakes caused by icy conditions. Following another car too closely, driving too quickly (even within the speed limit) and taking a corner too fast can all become hazardous examples of careless driving when icy roads affect braking times and handling.”
Mr Bullen added: “It’s important for drivers to be extra vigilant when driving in winter, to avoid accidents as well as fines. By highlighting these potential fines drivers may not be aware of, hopefully, motorists can avoid paying out a substantial amount, as well as gaining points on their licence.
“You should be checking your tyre pressure regularly, but we recommend checking more frequently in colder weather as tyres lose pressure more quickly. This could save drivers a £10,000 fine and 12 points on their licence.”
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
Yorkshire
