Car experts have warned motorists of five essential checks they must carry out ahead of driving this autumn. Not carrying out these checks could result in significant safety risks and also lead to fines of up to £3,500 as well as points on your driving licence. The warning comes as colder weather and darker driving conditions will start to pose serious hazards on the road.
John Woosey, Founder of Ripe Motorhome Insurance, recommended drivers carry out the following checks. Check the tyre pressure and tread One of the biggest risks to motorists during autumn is falling leaves which, when mixed with rainfall, can quickly build up on the road and create a slippery surface. Add to this a seasonal frost and even snowfall on higher ground – both of which will rapidly degrade driving conditions.
It’s therefore vital to ensure that your tyres are fully prepared for the months ahead by checking the tread depth and inflating them to the correct pressure. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm for cars up to 3,500kg, to avoid risks such as slower braking, aquaplaning and difficulty gaining traction.
However, 3mm is preferable for autumn and winter driving. Any less than this and your tyres may be unsafe - so it’s time to replace them. Under-inflated tyres can cause your car to handle poorly in adverse conditions, or even fail completely.
You can easily pump your tyres at a garage or fuel station. If you are stopped by the police and found with illegal tyres, you could receive a .