Electric car owners could be slapped with hefty fines over major car defect
Electric cars are more at risk during cold months to experience tyre problems
PA/GETTY
Electric car drivers have been warned of hefty fines and penalty points for having incorrect tyres as winter approaches.
With colder weather on the horizon, motorists are being urged to pay close attention to their tyre maintenance to avoid dangerous road conditions and potential legal consequences.
The legal requirement for UK tyres is to have a tread depth of 1.6mm but failure to reach the minimum could result in a £2,500 fine per tyre and three points on a licence.
Experts highlighted how due to electric cars being more heavy than its diesel and petrol counterparts, having correctly tyres is more important.
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Tyres need to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm
GETTYDue to the weight of electric vehicles, under-inflated tyres can significantly reduce an EV's efficiency.
The battery's central position lowers the vehicle's centre of gravity, further emphasising the importance of proper tyre care.
But by keeping tyres properly inflated and within legal tread depth limits, EV owners can maximise their vehicle's performance and avoid penalties.
Experts at ALD Automotive | LeasePlan UK said: “Checking your tyre pressure and tread on a regular basis is important and you should try setting a reminder on your phone to build in daily checks to look for nicks, nails or wear in the tread.”
The expert added: “Always check the tread depth using a tread depth gauge and check your tyres regularly for bulges, wear or other signs of damage.
“You can also check the tread depth simply by using a 20p coin and check your owner’s manual to find out the recommended pressures for the tyres on your car.”
Beyond tyre maintenance, electric vehicle owners should also be aware of the rising risk of vandalism.
Recent data from insurance specialists Quotezone reveals a 37 per cent surge in the average cost of repairing vandalism damage to vehicles in the UK over the past year.
The cost of repairs can be particularly high for electric vehicles, which are often more expensive to fix. In some regions, repair costs have reached up to £10,000.
Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone, explained: "Part of this increase could be attributed to the rising number of electric vehicles on the road, which are often more expensive to repair.
“The overall rise in inflation has also driven up the cost of materials such as paint, glass, and replacement parts."
The rise in vandalism repair costs is not only a financial concern for EV owners but also impacts community safety. Quotezone data showed how 40 per cent of Brits know someone who has had their car vandalised.
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European regulation R117-04 came into effect this monthPAWilson warned: "Beyond the financial hit, these incidents are worrying for community safety. Persistent vandalism can affect local neighbourhoods, increasing crime rates, and even driving down property value."
To protect their vehicles, EV owners should consider parking in well-lit areas or secure garages when possible. Installing security cameras or using steering wheel locks can also deter vandals.
Given the potential for high repair costs, EV owners may also want to review their insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage for vandalism damage.
Comparing quotes from different insurers could help find the best protection at competitive rates.