(Image: PA MEDIA)
Motorists are being urged to carry out a quick 20p tyre check before setting off on autumn journeys.
GM Rides issued the reminder as wet weather increases the importance of tyre grip and stopping distances.
Drivers could face court fines of up to £2,500 per illegal car tyre, alongside penalty points.
Majid Ismailzada, director at GM Rides, said: "People often associate dangerous driving conditions with ice and snow, but rain should already be a reason to review your tyres and the space you leave behind another vehicle.
"A car can feel perfectly normal on a familiar journey.
"That doesn’t tell you how it will respond when traffic brakes suddenly on a wet road.
"Checking your tyres before you set off is far better than discovering a problem when you need to stop."
According to the Highway Code, stopping distances in wet conditions are at least double those required in dry weather due to reduced tyre grip.
The 20p test involves inserting a coin into the tyre’s main grooves; if the outer band is visible, the tread may be below the legal minimum.
Motorists are also advised to regularly check tyre pressure and inspect for damage such as cuts, cracks, or bulges.
For more information, visit: https://gmrides.co.uk/