UK drivers urged to use simple '20p trick' for tyres to avoid potential driving ban
UK drivers could face a hefty fine and points on their licence for failing to reach the tyre tread requirement.
PA
Drivers have been urged to use a simple 20p coin trick to check their tyres are legally roadworthy.
Motorists could face a potential driving ban or even bank-breaking fines if they fail to ensure their vehicle’s tyre tread depths reach the minimum standard.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) require all four tyres to have at least 1.6 milimetres of tread depth around the central three-quarters of the tyre breadth and across the entire outer circumference.
The 1.6 milimetre rule enables vehicles to grip to the road, safely accelerate and brake without losing traction on the tarmac.
All four tyres to have at least 1.6milimetres of tread depth
PA
Cars are more likely to face issues in wet conditions as they are more susceptible to aquaplaning.
Automated services company RAC Limited has warned that wet braking distances between a tyre worn to three milimetres and one worn to 1.6milimetres can be as much as 44 percent.
Recent data also showed that around one-in-five breakdowns on UK roads occur due to tyre problems.
Using a 20p coin in the main tyre grooves is a simple way to check tread depth.
In its advice about the 20p test, the RAC said: “The 20p test is a simple, quick and easy way of checking the tyre tread of your car's wheels.
“Just take a 20p coin and insert it into the tread grooves on the tyre.
“If you can't see the outer band on the coin, your tyres are above the legal limit.
“However, if you can see the band and that section of the coin is still visible, your tyres could be unsafe and require professional inspection by a mechanic.”
The RAC has encouraged motorists to visit a mechanic if their tyres do not pass the 20p test
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Motorists have been advised to conduct the 20p test every fortnight, particularly before long journeys.
PA
Motorists have been advised to conduct the 20p test every fortnight, particularly before long journeys.
Drivers could face a 2,500 fine and three points on their licence if one tyre falls short of the 1.6milimetre requirement.
But they could lose their licence and face a 10,000 fine if all four tyres are worn below the legal limit.
Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “The 20p test is easy to do at home and gives you a good idea as to whether your tyres are in the legal tread depth of 1.6milimetres or not instead of having to take your car out to a garage or wait until it’s next MOT.”
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