A substantial number of British motorists are putting themselves at risk of significant fines and penalty points due to widespread complacency regarding basic car maintenance. New research from Close Brothers Motor Finance indicates that one in five drivers admit to 'rarely or never' checking their tyre tread depths, an oversight that could result in penalties of up to £2,500 per tyre.
The findings, based on a survey of 2,001 drivers, highlight a worrying trend of neglect. The study revealed that a striking 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 unaware of the potential for three penalty points and hefty fines for each tyre found to be non-compliant.
Beyond tyre tread, the research uncovered further shortcomings in vehicle upkeep. Only 15 per cent of motorists consistently check their tyre pressures before journeys, a crucial safety measure. Additionally, one in five drivers rarely or never inspect their engine oil levels, and nearly a quarter admit to neglecting essential winter safety checks, even as the country experiences varied weather conditions that can impact road surfaces.
John Cassidy, managing director of Close Brothers Motor Finance, emphasised the critical importance of these routine checks. He stated that while it is easy to dismiss them as a chore, driving an unmaintained vehicle poses an immediate threat to road safety and carries significant legal repercussions. Simple checks on tyre pressure, oil levels, and tread depth take only a few minutes but can make a vital difference to both safety and the reliability of a vehicle.
The data from Close Brothers Motor Finance follows an earlier RAC study, which revealed that over 10,000 drivers were penalised last year for operating unroadworthy vehicles. This underscores the ongoing challenge of ensuring vehicles on UK roads meet necessary safety standards. The AA has also previously warned that extreme weather, such as prolonged heatwaves, can put extra strain on vehicles, making under-inflated, damaged, or old tyres particularly susceptible to failure.