Car SOS host Fuzz Townshend has revealed one issue that can damage five separate components on road cars.
The host of the popular car restoration series stressed badly worn tyres can cause “unexpected wear” to other major car parts in a potential blow to motorists.
In particular, Fuzz highlighted that poor tyre tread can lead to further complications in the vehicle drivetrain.
However, most importantly he admitted it could affect engine performance, steering, suspension and even the vehicle’s brake pedal.
Fuzz made the remarks as he warned how tyre problems could affect motorists travelling on roads this winter.
Speaking to Landsail Tyres, Fuzz said: “Badly worn tyres are not only dangerous, but they can also cause a lot of unexpected wear to other car components, all the way through the drivetrain, right up to the engine and to steering, suspension and braking components.
“In the UK the minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm in a continuous band across 75% of the central breadth of the tyre.”
Motoring experts at Continental Tyres have previously reiterated Fuzz’s remarks, stressing that tread can have an impact across different areas of the car.
In particular, bad grooves can make it “harder to control “ with motorists set to notice a “loss of traction” and problems stopping.
They said: “Your tyres form the essential bond between your vehicle and the ground.
“The tread grips the road as you drive. But if it’s not deep enough, your car loses traction and suffers extended braking times.
“Shallow tread grooves make it harder to control the vehicle in wet weather and the chance of aquaplaning increases.
“To ensure your safety, measure the tread depth as part of your regular vehicle maintenance.”
Meanwhile, bald tyres are one of the most common reasons motorists fail their annual MOT test with mechanics forced to hold back a pass certificate if tyres don’t meet the minimum depth.
According to breakdown experts at the RAC, road users risk being hit with financial penalties and even points on their licence for not checking their rubber.
Police can issue fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre, meaning road users could be issued a £10,000 charge if all four tyres are affected.
