UK drivers risk £2,500 fines for ‘rarely or never’ carrying out key vehicle check

UK drivers risk £2,500 fines for ‘rarely or never’ carrying out key vehicle check The study also found that only 15 per cent of motorists always check their tyre pressures before a trip - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Many British motorists are risking substantial fines and penalty points by neglecting basic car maintenance, with one in five admitting they ‘rarely or never’ check their tyre tread depths. This oversight could lead to penalties of up to £2,500 per tyre. New data from Close Brothers Motor Finance, based on a survey of 2,001 drivers, highlights widespread complacency. The findings emerge in the wake of an RAC study revealing that over 10,000 drivers were penalised last year for operating unroadworthy vehicles. The research indicates that a staggering 88 per cent of respondents do not consistently check their tyre tread depth. Despite the legal minimum of 1.6mm and recommendations to change tyres well before this limit, a fifth of drivers remain oblivious to the potential for three penalty points and hefty fines per tyre. Beyond tyre tread, the study uncovered further maintenance shortcomings. Only 15 per cent of motorists consistently check their tyre pressures before journeys. Additionally, one in five rarely or never inspect their engine oil levels, and nearly a quarter admit to neglecting crucial winter safety checks. John Cassidy, managing director of Close Brothers Motor Finance, commented: “Whilst it is all too easy to dismiss routine checks as just another chore, driving an unmaintained vehicle poses an immediate threat to road safety and carries significant penalties. “Simple checks such as monitoring tyre pressure, oil levels and tread depth take only a few minutes but can make a vital difference to both safety and reliability.” The AA recently said drivers could see gritters out on some roads over the summer and prolonged heatwaves with the potential for surfaces to soften or become sticky under the heat, with heavy traffic even causing them to rut in some places. Edmund King, AA president, said: “The main risk for drivers is not that the road suddenly ‘melts’ everywhere, but that patches can become tacky or uneven. That can affect braking, steering and grip, especially for motorcyclists and cyclists, and can also throw up loose material. “If drivers come across a softened or damaged surface, they should slow down, avoid harsh braking or steering, and leave extra space from the vehicle in front.” The AA also warned that heat can put extra strain on vehicles, with under-inflated, damaged or old tires particularly likely to fail in hotter conditions. “Before a long journey, check tyre pressures, tread and sidewalls, and carry water in case you are delayed,” Mr King said. “In these temperatures the advice remains never to leave passengers or animals unattended in parked cars even for short periods when the interior of the car can soon get as hot as an oven.” Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments [Image text:] TW WINTER ACV7953721 024201 0214538 S2WE