Avoid a hefty fine by completing this simple tyre check before getting into your car this week, as more wicked snow and plunging temperatures are slated to savage parts of the UK
Snow and ice warnings remain in place across the UK, as Brits brace themselves for more plunging temperatures. This week got off to a rocky start after significant snowfall sparked mayhem, with a number of trains being delayed, major roads being cornered off, and last-minute school closures due to a lack of staff able to get to work.
The Environment Agency then issued a staggering 228 flood alerts, including one ‘danger to life’ warning following due to heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt. “We urge people to remain vigilant over the next few days and advise anyone travelling to be especially careful and urge people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car,” said Stefan Laeger, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency.
If getting in your car and driving this week is essential, then expect delays and make sure you properly check your tyres before setting off. Avoiding doing so could not only be dangerous, but may also result in a hefty fine coming your way.
The UK Government warn that if you are stopped by the police and found with illegal tyres, you could receive a £2,500 fine and three penalty points per tyre. This includes suitable tyre pressure, any cuts or defects, as well as your tread depth – which has a legal limit of 1.6mm.
It is recommended to stay well above the legal threshold, with a 3mm tread being ideal for winter and 2mm in summer to ‘maintain overall good tyre performance’. “You can check your tyre’s tread depth is suitable by taking a 20p coin and placing it into the tyre’s main tread grooves,” explained experts over at Vertu Motors.
“If the bottom of the coin’s outer edge is visible, then your tread depth might not be reaching the legal minimum standard. You can always get your tyres checked by a professional if you have concerns. They will also be able to help you change your tyres for new ones, should your vehicle require it.”
The ace’s also warned that driving with incorrect tyre pressure increases the risks of losing control of your vehicle, which could lead to a nasty accident. “If you don’t know the correct tyre pressure for your particular vehicle, you can find this in your vehicle handbook, on the inside of your car’s fuel tank cap, or in the driver’s door sill,” they added. “Most petrol stations have air dispensers that are easy to use and will sort your tyres out in no time.”
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