Drivers have been urged to check one thing ahead of Storm Eowyn to stay safe and avoid fines (Image: Getty)
A motoring expert has urged drivers to check a vital automotive component that could put them at a huge risk of accidents, , and even a driving ban.
With amber issued in parts of the UK for , motorists on the road, making it even more important than normal to make sure their vehicle is prepared.
A motoring expert at highlighted that one of the most important checks a driver can make before the storm is looking at the .
They warned: “During the winter, the risks on the road are heightened, and play a critical role in ensuring safety. While the legal minimum tyre tread is 1.6mm, we advise that drivers maintain at least 3mm of tread during the winter months.
“Low tread depth significantly increases the risk of accidents, and in the worst-case scenario, it can lead to a catastrophic blowout or loss of control in slippery conditions.”
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The expert recommended that tyres should have a tread depth of at least 3mm in wet weather (Image: Getty)
For a vehicle to be considered as road legal, it must be fitted with tyres that have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm. However, many motoring experts recommend that drivers avoid taking to the road unless they have significantly deeper grooves.
Whilst a few millimetres may seem trivial, tyre treads are vital in helping tyres dig into soft surfaces such as snow and mud and can also sweep away rain on the road to avoid the risk of aquaplaning.
As a result, cars with worn-out tyres will fail their next MOT and could result in the driver being fined up to £2,500 per tyre—meaning motorists could face a £10,000 charge for a full set.
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However, more importantly than a £10,000 fine, One Sure Insurance also warned that worn out tyres also put drivers and occupants at a much higher risk, making it harder to stop or control the vehicle.
They added: “Driving with unsafe tyres means not only are you risking a huge financial penalty, but it also puts you, your passengers, and other road users in extreme danger.
“Tyres with insufficient tread lengthen stopping distances, especially on wet, icy, or snow-covered roads, and make it harder to maintain grip in winter conditions. This could easily result in an accident.”