The biggest culprits were found in the Birmingham, the north east and Cheshire areas of the UK, prompting HiQ to issue a rallying call to motorists to wake up.
More worryingly, the results are significantly up from HiQ’s last audit in 2009, when 27 per cent of motorists were driving on illegal tyres.
This is why HiQ, the nationwide fast fit network, has come up with a no-nonsense 1-2-3 campaign in a bid to rid the roads of an unnecessary danger.
- One worn or defective tyre could cost you £2,500*
- Two tyre lengths could be added to your stopping distance at 50mph in wet conditions**
- Three points will be added to your license for each tyre with a tread depth less than 1.6mm***
The network is investing heavily to add weight to its hard hitting campaign, while equipping motorists with the tools they need to avoid the three hazardous pitfalls associated with illegal tyres.
The brand has created an SMS and email alert service for their customers, to remind them about their tyre pressure levels, with more information available on www.hiqonline/tyrepressureguide.co.uk
In addition, participating HiQ centres across the UK will be providing free tyre safety checks for motorists from now until the end of the year.
Mr Dolan added: “We wanted to generate some hard hitting messages that motorists will take note of.
“To say we were shocked by our audit results is an understatement. We were staggered that thousands of motorists are sitting on an automotive time bomb.
“Some vehicles we checked had three or even four defective tyres, which would amount to 12 penalty points and up to £10,000 in fines. It is that serious.”
To make the most of HiQ’s free tyre safety checks, please click on www.hiqonline.co.uk for your nearest centre.