Watch as 20p coin helps to make car safe – it’ll save your life driving
ALL you need to check if your car is safe is a 20p coin – it could save your life when you’re out on the road.
The simple hack was demonstrated on Instagram and it could ensure your tyres are road worthy.
Just simply put the coin into the inner tyre grooves
The footage on the social media site posted by Rooster Insurance then says: “If the edge of the coin is not visible, your tyres are okay.”
But then it warns: “If the edge of the coin is visible, your tyre most likely needs changing!”
Drivers are urged to check the tread of their tyres regularly to help prevent accidents.
The tip has also been promoted by Cambridgeshire Police on X, formerly known as Twiter, who also warned that having worn or damaged tyres could mean you are slapped with a hefty £2,5000 fine.
Worn tyres can increase the likelihood of aquaplaning in wet weather.
The experts at Prestone, the car maintenance fluid specialists said: “Whatever speed you’re travelling, aquaplaning is bad news.
“This is when standing water gets trapped between your tyre and the road surface, with the tread unable to displace it fast enough and ultimately resulting in a terrifying loss of traction.”
When you’re driving in very wet conditions, the advice is to slow down.
There are good reasons for doing this as firstly it will give you greater stopping time and it will also reduce the likelihood of aquaplaning.
If your car does start to aquaplane then don’t slam the brakes on.
Instead, gently lift your foot off the accelerator and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel until your car regains traction.
If you are in a line of cars, try to drive in their tramlines.
The cars ahead will have already displaced standing water ahead of you, making it less likely you’ll hit pools of water yourself and so bring down the risk of aquaplaning.
It’s best to avoid puddles, where possible, although drivers are warned they should never swerve dangerously.
Even the smallest pools of water can cause aquaplaning so reduce your speed to anticipate and avoid puddles where you can.
On the topic of wet conditions, rule 121 of the Highway Code says that drivers should test their brakes after driving through puddles or standing water.
This is because water can hinder the effectiveness of your brakes, so it’s always worth checking that they’re working properly.
If they’re not, apply light pressure to the pedal as you drive slowly to dry out your brakes.
Elsewhere, a Ford technician has revealed a hidden button that unlocks a keyless entry feature.
A car expert has also shown the seven key parts you need to check before winter arrives.
A car mechanic has revealed the five little-known ways your car will fail its MOT.