Motorists are being urged to check their vehicles ahead of the cold snap to avoid a penalty fine of up to £10,000 and three points on their licence.
Eased lockdown restrictions combined with the cold spell could leave many people at risk of driving dangerously, insurer Marmalade said.
According to experts, poor weather could be a nightmare for inexperienced drivers and especially those not used to keeping their vehicle in-line with safety standards.
The Highway Code states windows must be clear of any ice and frost and lights must be clean to ensure clear road visibility.
It’s also illegal to drive with snow on your window – as it could fall onto the path of other road users.
However, many are unaware that having overly-worn tyre tread - as well as being hugely dangerous - could lead to a fine of £2,500 per wheel.
That means a vehicle with four bad tyres could potentially set drivers back by £10,000.
Legally, a tyre tread must be a minimum of 1.6mm to pass, however anything less than 3mm can drastically reduce performance.
Drivers should check their tread with a 20p coin to ensure there is more than 3mm before setting off on a trip.
If the edge disappears when dropped into the tread, then the tyres are safe to drive with.
Are you breaking the law?
Get the latest money advice, news and help straight to your inbox - sign up at mirror.co.uk/email
In theory, checking your tread depth should be as ingrained as checking your oil or petrol tank, but many drivers are unaware of how important it is.
According to website Confused.com, 61% of motorists don’t know what the minimum legal tread depth is on their vehicle, and more than half don’t know how to check their tyres.
Easy way to check your tyres
A quick and easy way to check if your tyre tread depth is safe and above the legal limit is to take the 20p test.
To do this, insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the ‘outer band’ of the 20p coin is obscured when it is inserted (and you can see less than half of the number 20 at the bottom of the coin), your tread is above the legal limit, explains Rospa.
It is important to carry this test out on at least three locations around each tyre. If the outer band of the coin is visible, your tyres may be illegal and must be checked by a qualified tyre professional. It is recommended that you perform this test at least once a month.
But it isn't just knowing how to change a tyre that could catch drivers out. In fact, drivers should consider rotating their tyres every 6,000 miles because those at the front wear out faster than those at the back, and this could be key to keeping tyres from balding too quickly.
Marmalade chief executive, Crispin Moger, said: "As a new driver, if you are yet to experience winter conditions on the road they can prove to be a bit of a challenge.
"We thought it would be handy for new drivers of the UK to have this guide to hand should they need it.
"It offers some pearls of wisdom as we head into the winter months.
“New drivers haven't had the best time over the last six months and many will be wanting to experience the freedom of being on the road and making sure that they can do that safely is a real focus for us."
