Car SOS presenter Fuzz Townshend has revealed a simple 20p coin trick every motorist must make sure they do ahead of winter. The TV host and co-presenter of the iconic vehicle restoration series encouraged road users to use a coin to check their tyre pressures ahead of the colder months.
The expert, a brand ambassdador for Landsail Tyres, simply inserting a 20p coin into the tyre tread depth could reveal major secrets and reveal if tyres are safe. With motorists at risk of heavy fines for not following the rules, the simple 20p hack anyone can do could be a lifesaver.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk from his role at Landsail Tyres, Fuzz said: “When it comes to tread, there is a foolproof method to check your tyre’s tread depth, and all you need is a 20p coin. Simply insert the coin into the tread grooves: if the band of the coin is hidden, your tyres are above the legal limit. If the band is visible, it’s time for some new tyres as soon as possible.
“If you are stopped by police with illegal tyres, you risk a £2,500 fine and 3 penalty points per tyre. It’s best to regularly check your tyres to ensure you remain aware of when your tread is getting low.”
According to the RAC, motorists should make sure to have a minimum tread depth of at least 1.6mm to guarantee safety. It is believed tyres start to become affected once tyres drop below 3mm in tread depth, with stopping distances increasing dramatically.
Fuzz told Express.co.uk: “Tyre pressure and tread depth should be checked regularly all year round; but winter presents challenges on the road that make proper tyre maintenance absolutely crucial.
“Maintaining proper tyre pressure is particularly important in winter as cold weather can cause pressures to drop, and underinflated tyres can lose their ability to grip the road properly, especially on icy surfaces.
“Tyres are the only element of your vehicle that connects it to the road, so when surfaces are icy or wet, you need to be able to rely on your tyres to maintain the vehicle’s stability on the road.”
“To top up your tyre pressure, you can use an at-home digital tyre inflator if you have one. Alternatively, most petrol stations offer the service for a small fee. Always consult your vehicle’s manual for the correct PSI level.”
