Have you checked your tyres lately?

And that could be remedied with a 20p piece.

After our weather took a turn for the wetter this week, just 27 per cent of drivers claimed that they had checked their tyre tread depth in the last month, the maximum period recommended between checks.

All you need to do to check your tread is place a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of their tyre. If the outer band of the 20p coin is visible when inserted, then your tyre tread depth is above the legal minimum limit.

However, if the outer band is visible when inserted into the tread, your tyres may be unsafe or illegal and should be checked immediately by a tyre professional. When checking your tread depth, ensure you check at least three locations around each tyre.

“Without adequate tyre tread depth, your car may be unable to cope properly in wet conditions, causing problems such as longer stopping distances, loss of grip and even an increased risk of aquaplaning,” explains Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe chairman.

More than 80 per cent of respondents were unaware that the maximum possible fine for driving on an illegal tyre with insufficient tread depth is £2,500.

“You can also visit one of the thousands of garages and tyre retailers around the country who are offering free tyre safety checks as part of October’s Tyre Safety Month,” continued Jackson.

To find the location of an outlet supporting Tyre Safety Month, simply visit the TyreSafe website www.tyresafe.org.