How a little-known tyre rule could mean risking a £100 fine and three points

A CAR expert has revealed a little-known tyre rule that could mean risking a £100 fine and three points on your licence.

Many drivers are feeling the strain from the rising cost of living, and might be tempted to cut corners when replacing their car tyres to save money.

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Mixing and matching your tyres – where you have different sorts of tyres on the same axle – is an offence that could see you getting into trouble with the law.

Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, Graham Conway, has warned motorists against this and what they are risking if they do.

Graham Conway said: “To a lot of people, all tyres look similar, and you might assume they all perform in the same way so long as you choose the correct size. 

“But there are big differences between the types of tyres available – beyond just the brand – and mixing and matching them can be dangerous and illegal.  

“While it might be tempting to simply choose the most affordable tyre you can, particularly if you’re ordering online and then have it fitted at a garage, you could be making a costly mistake. 

“In the eyes of the law, tyres must be of a consistent type on the axle”.

Here’s how to ensure you have matching tyres.

The tyres must have the same ‘construction’

The tyres need to be either ‘radial-ply’ or ‘cross-ply’ – which are the most common types.

‘Ply’ means the layers of construction that sit underneath the surface rubber – which gives the tyre its strength.

The tyres should have the same tread pattern and depth

It’s also recommended that tyres should have the same tyre tread pattern and tread depth.

Both of these can vary widely between different manufacturers.  

Why do ‘matching’ tyres matter?

Non-matching tyres can produce inconsistent performance on the road, where you’re more likely to lose grip and potentially skid.

For example, in wet conditions the incorrect tyres may not be able to displace enough water and could result in aquaplaning and a potential crash.

Seriously mismatched tyres can even result in damage to wheel bearings and the clutch, as well as meaning you’ll probably end up using more fuel. 

This comes after drivers were warned that running out of fuel could cost them a £5,000 fine – and nine penalty points.

Plus, drivers were urged to pack their cars properly while out and about on the roads this summer.