All UK drivers urged to do one-minute check this weekend or risk £10k fines

All UK drivers urged to do one-minute check this weekend or risk £10k finesThe simple task could save you a lot of hassle - and money - down the line, so it's worth doing now.CommentsLifestyleNicola Roy Multimedia content creator10:42, 17 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesThe simple check takes a minute to do(Image: Getty Images)This time of year can be very unpredictable when it comes to the weather. April is known for its downpours, and while parts of the UK have seen some warmer conditions, it's unclear whether this will last.‌Because of this, drivers are being urged to carry out a quick tyre check that takes less than a minute and could save them thousands. Something as simple as a 20p coin can help motorists spot dangerously worn tyres before they become a serious risk on wet roads.‌As the rain hits, water mixes with oil and debris on the road surface, making conditions far more slippery than many drivers expect. Worn tyres struggle to grip in these conditions, increasing the risk of skidding or losing control.‌"Most people don’t think to check their tyres until there’s a problem," said Ollie Green, car safety expert at Collect Service Go. "But during April, when you’ve got sudden heavy showers, tyre condition really matters. That loss of grip can catch drivers out very quickly."The so-called "20p test" is one of the easiest ways to check whether your tyres are still road legal, and it doesn’t require any tools.View 3 ImagesThere's a quick and easy way to check that your tyres are safe and legal(Image: Getty Images)‌How to test your tyresDrivers simply need to insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves of each tyre. If the outer rim of the coin is visible, the tread may be below the legal limit.Ollie said: "It sounds basic, but it works. If you can see the outer band of the coin, there’s a good chance your tyres are too worn. It’s a quick check that could prevent a much bigger issue."Experts also warn that tyres don’t alw...