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Make frequent checks to avoid tyresome fines, says IAM

If you're planning a long drive, take a quick but thorough look at your tyres.

According to the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists), around 10 per cent of cars on the road have at least one tyre with an illegal tread depth. This reduces braking effectiveness, increases risk of collision, and could lead to a hefty fine and points on your licence.

The IAM's Head of Technical Advice, Tim Shallcross, says: "As tyres have only the area of the sole of your shoe in touch with the road at any one time, it's a safety 'no-brainer' to keep them in top condition - extra care is needed in autumn when sudden heavy showers can profoundly affect tyre performance".

Stopping distances double on wet roads and the risk of a skid can be trebled if the tread depth is only at the legal minimum of 1.6 mm. This risk increases seven-fold when the tread depth is less than 0.5mm. And if you have to brake hard on one of the 10 per cent of road surfaces with below average skid resistance, the skid risk rises by around 50 per cent.

IAM tyre advice

Inspect

*   Check the general state of the tyre for cuts, bumps and uneven wear: worn shoulders indicate under- inflation; if worn in the centre indicates over inflation and wear on one side indicates wheel misalignment
*   Check the tyre air pressure (an IAM survey found that only 18 per cent of men and 4 per cent of women check tyre pressures weekly)
*   Underinflated tyres affect road grip, increase fuel consumption and tyre wear, and in hot weather they're more likely to suffer a 'blow out'

Adjust the tyre pressure

* Check that your tyres are correctly inflated (ideally when they're cold)

Know the law

* The penalty for driving with one illegal tyre is a fine of up to £2,500 and three points on your licence.
* While the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, consider replacing the tyres soon after the tread depth reaches 3mm, and always replace them once the tread is down to 2mm

Fitting new tyres

* When replacing two worn tyres, the new ones should be fitted to the same axle
* Also make sure the tyres are suitable for the vehicle and the wheels they are being fitted to