Millions of drivers at risk of £2,500 fine and three penalty points - here's why

Scores of drivers are risking fines for having illegally bald tyres, new figures have shown.

An estimated four million cars are being driven with tyres that do not have enough tread, according to Halfords Autocentres.

And motorists can receive a £2,500 fine and three penalty points if a tyre doesn't meet standards - and that's per tyre.

This means if all four are at fault you can get a fine of £10,000 and 12 points - enough to cost you your licence.

But despite this, 13% of drivers said they have driven with tyres below the legal tread depth, with 65% of drivers saying they didn't know the rules, reports The Mirror .

Halfords Autocentres tyres expert Martin Barber said: "We were surprised to find that so many Brits are driving with tyres below the legal tread depth - tread depth can reduce braking and steering ability especially in unpredictable weather and wet driving conditions.

"After completing millions of tyre checks to help keep Britain’s cars on the roads, we're proud to offer a free tyre check for every motorist."

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The legal tyre tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre, according to the law .

Halfords also found that more than one driver in four (27%) haven't checked their tyre tread in the past three months, while 42% said they don't know how to check their tyre pressure.

To help people stay safe, Halfords produced a quick guide to tyre checks you can do yourself:

• Tread depth: The legal limit for the minimum depth of the tread on your tyres is 1.6 millimetres, but performance begins to drop off after falling below 3mm. The wider the tyre, the higher the risk of aquaplaning in the wet. Halfords recommends they should be changed once they reach a depth of 2mm.

• Tyre condition:  Motorists are advised to inspect the tyre for signs of irregular wear or damage such as lumps, bumps or cuts.

• Air pressure:  Check that the vehicle's pressure is at the right level for the load through your car owner’s manual or stickers on the fuel flap. Incorrect tyre pressures can also cause your tyres to wear abnormally, increasing fuel consumption and shortening the life of your tyres.