Motorists are being reminded to check their tyres before autumn journeys, with illegal car tyres carrying potential court fines of up to £2,500 each.
Drivers are being urged to carry out a simple 20p tyre check as wetter autumn conditions make grip and stopping distance increasingly important.
GM Rides is encouraging motorists to check tyre tread, pressure and condition before setting off, rather than waiting for their next MOT or the first frost.
The reminder comes with a financial warning: motorists can face court fines of up to £2,500 per illegal car tyre, alongside penalty points.
Majid Ismailzada, director at GM Rides, said:
“People often associate dangerous driving conditions with ice and snow, but rain should already be a reason to review your tyres and the space you leave behind another vehicle.
A car can feel perfectly normal on a familiar journey. That doesn’t tell you how it will respond when traffic brakes suddenly on a wet road. Checking your tyres before you set off is far better than discovering a problem when you need to stop.”
Wet roads require more stopping space, even with legal tyres
The Highway Code states that stopping distances in wet weather are at least double those needed on dry roads, because tyres have less grip. Drivers should leave more space behind the vehicle ahead and adjust their speed to the conditions.
Majid added:
“Having enough tread doesn’t mean you can drive as though the road is dry. Tyre checks and leaving enough stopping space have to go together.
If you’re heading to the airport, doing the school run or driving for work, allow enough time so you’re not tempted to rush when the weather deteriorates.”
How to check your tyre tread with a 20p coin
A 20p coin can provide a quick indication of whether your tread needs professional attention:
- Park somewhere safe and switch off the engine. Insert a 20p coin into the tyre’s main tread grooves.
- Check whether the outer band is visible. If you can see it above the tread, your tyre may be below the legal minimum and should be checked immediately by a qualified tyre professional.
- Repeat across the tread and around each tyre. Check at least three positions around every tyre, as a single spot can miss uneven wear.
The coin test is an initial guide. A tread-depth gauge provides a more precise measurement, and neither check replaces an inspection for damage.
What are the current fines and penalty points?
For cars, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width and around the entire circumference. Tyres must also be free from dangerous defects.
A defective-tyre offence can result in three penalty points. Cases may be dealt with through a £100 fixed penalty, while court fines for illegal car tyres can reach £2,500 per tyre. The maximum court fine is not an automatic roadside charge; the outcome depends on the circumstances.
A passed MOT does not mean you can stop checking
A vehicle can become unsafe even while its MOT certificate remains valid. Drivers are responsible for ensuring it is roadworthy whenever they use it.
Majid said:
“An MOT tells you about the vehicle’s condition when it was tested. Your tyres continue to wear afterwards, so a pass shouldn’t become a reason to ignore them for the rest of the year.”
Two checks the 20p test cannot replace
- Tyre pressure: Use an accurate pressure gauge and follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended settings. Do not wait for a dashboard warning before checking.
- Tyre condition: Look for cuts, cracks, bulges and uneven wear. A tyre can have enough tread but still be unsafe because of damage. Get any concerns assessed by a tyre professional.
Majid added:
“A few minutes checking your tyres should be part of preparing for a journey, particularly if you’re travelling further than usual. If something looks wrong, get it checked before setting off.”
