A recent survey by Manheim Auctions has discovered that one in five motorists never check their brake fluid, one in six don’t check to see if their brake lights are working and one in nine don’t bother to check their tyre tread.

The research also suggested that motorists simply don’t understand the risks involved with running their vehicles without completing regular safety checks. For example, one in five motorists couldn’t explain why brake fluid needs to be checked and almost 85% don’t know the legal tyre tread depth.

Motorists are not only risking their own safety and the safety of other road users, they’re also at risk of facing points on their licence and a hefty fine. For example, illegal tyre tread can result in three points and a fine of up to £2,500, whilst a broken brake light may cost the driver three points and a fixed penalty fine of £60. Driving with four bald tyres could cost you your licence!

“Ignoring the most basic car safety checks is not only dangerous, it’s illegal. The police will, quite rightly, stop and fine cars with illegal tyre tread or broken brake lights. Not only will this be costly but the points on your licence will impact on your car insurance,” commented Craig Mailey, marketing director, Manheim Auctions.

“We’d recommend performing basic safety checks on your vehicle regularly, and especially before long journeys. If you know what you are doing, it takes minutes to check tyre pressure and tread, and if your lights are working properly. If you don’t know what you are doing, get yourself down to any reputable service centre and ask them to show you. It could prove to be a very valuable 15 minute lesson. Remember it’s not just your life you are risking but that of your family and other road users.”

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