New research shows drivers will be putting themselves at risk of fines, points and invalidated insurance
Check your car before you travel
Thousands of drivers could be breaking the law before they even pull off the drive this Easter, according to research from Veygo by Admiral. A third of drivers say they will be driving somewhere this weekend, but 43% won’t check their tyre pressure, and 57% will skip tyre tread checks.
Many Easter drivers could unknowingly be breaking the law on both counts, as driving with a significantly flat tyre or a tread depth below 1.6mm could land you with a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre and three penalty points on your licence.
Beyond the legal penalties, drivers with defective tyres could risk having an insurance claim refused. Insurers can decline to pay out if the condition of the vehicle is found to have contributed to an accident – meaning a bald tyre or bald tread could leave drivers facing repair costs entirely out of their own pocket.
13% of Easter drivers admit they won’t complete a single vehicle safety check before their journey. Less than half will check their lights are working, top up screen wash, inspect their tyre tread or check their windscreen and wipers. Just a third will check their coolant levels.
The risk is heightened by the current state of UK roads – additional data from Admiral shows that pothole-related claims peak in March, up 45% compared to an average month.
Ian Edwards, young driver expert at Veygo, said: “With so many drivers set to hit the road this Easter, it’s worrying to see that many are still skipping basic safety checks before setting off. Simple steps like checking your tyre pressure, oil, coolant level and lights only take a few minutes, but they could make all the difference to having a safe journey.
“It’s encouraging to see that younger drivers are leading the way when it comes to preparation – with Gen Z less likely to skip safety checks entirely, compared to those aged 55-64. It shows that good habits are being formed early, and we’d love to see all age groups follow their lead.”
For drivers heading out this Easter, Veygo recommends completing the following safety checks before any long journey:
- Tyre pressure and tread depth – ensure all four tyres (and your spare) are properly inflated and have at least 1.6mm of tread
- Engine oil – check levels are between the minimum and maximum markers on the dipstick
- Coolant – top up if needed and never open the cap while the engine is hot
- Screen wash – top up to ensure clear visibility, particularly important in spring when pollen and insects can affect your windscreen
- Lights – check all headlights, brake lights and indicators are working correctly
- Windscreen and wipers – check for chips or cracks and ensure wipers clear the screen effectively
- Fuel or charge level – make sure you have enough to reach your destination, or plan charging stops for EVs
