Drivers share 20p trick that could help you avoid £2,500 fine and penalty points
Keeping your car running smoothly and safely is so important for you and everyone else on the road - and it can also save you a lot of money and points on your license.
There are plenty of things to consider when it comes to car maintenance - from checking your lights are working properly to keeping your number plate clean.
And you also need to be looking at your tyres frequently, to check they've got enough pressure in them and tread on them - the latter of which you can do by using a 20p trick.
The car finance experts at CarMoney have shared the nifty hack as well as the most searched for car maintenance queries from 2021, how to solve them - and how much you could be fined if you don't.
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According to the experts at CarMoney, 'what should my tyre pressure' was searched a whopping 36,000 times last year, which is good that people are checking as having defective tyres could result in a fine of £2,500 and several penalty points.
They said: "Low tyre pressure is dangerous because it can cause a blowout - which can be fatal at high speed.
"Defective tyres could also result in a fine of £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre, so regularly check your tyre pressure and be aware of the optimal pressure for your specific tyre type.
Similarly, there are 20,400 searches per year for 'how to check tyre tread' - but there's an easy way to check this and avoid a £2,500 fine and three penalty points per tyre.
All you need to do is the 20p test - insert a 20p into the groove of the tyre, if the outer rim of the coin is visible, this is a sign that the tread is too low and a new tyre is required.
As well as checking your tyres, thousands of people have been searching for how to change windscreen wiper blades, how to change their oil and what to do about windscreen scratches - issues with all of which could also land drivers with fines ranging between £100 and £2,500.
Andrew Marshall, Marketing & Partnerships Manager at CarMoney adds: "Keeping on top of car maintenance can feel like a chore, but if you don’t take care of issues quickly, they could prove dangerous. Not only will regular services identify potential early issues, but they could also help you save money and avoid costly repairs further down the line.
"Simple steps, such as checking tyre tread using 20p, could even save motorists from facing a fine. Always seek professional advice for any vehicle problems that may pose a risk to your safety and that of other road users."
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