With the festive season now over, and the world slowly returning back to some sort of normality, people will be getting back in their cars to get to work and do the school run; however, before you do, you may want to complete a simple task when it comes to your car. At this time of year, roads are wetter, darker and busy and, according to motor expert Tina Newman from Just Tyres, one of the biggest dangers is also one of the easiest to fix.

According to her, completing a simple task before heading out on the road again in January could make a big difference. In fact, she thinks it’s essential people do so, as it’s considered vital winter driving advice.

Tina said: “In winter, the condition of your tyres can make a huge difference. Just a two-second check can mean you are able to stop safely instead of losing control on wet and icy roads.”

She advises every driver to check the following three things before setting off, as each can reveal problems that become far more serious on winter roads.

• Tread depth – tyres must have at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters. Any less and the grip drops dramatically. This means that in heavy rain, your car can take longer (and more lengths) to stop.
• Tyre pressure – low pressure makes braking slower and steering less responsive. Tina recommends drivers check this every couple of weeks, ideally when tyres are cold.
• Overall condition – look out for cracks, bulges, splits or nails before they turn into a puncture.

Tina stated that not all tyre problems can be spotted at a glance. “Many issues, like slow leaks or internal damage, aren’t always visible until they become serious,” she explained.

“That’s why regular checks are so important. As a general rule, once a month is a good idea, or before any long journey, especially in winter when tyres come under more pressure.”

Why it matters most in winter

Short, frequent winter trips, such as shopping runs and visiting family, wear tyres faster than people realise. Add in standing water, wet leaves and colder temperatures common in months like December and January, and the margin for error shrinks.

Proper tyre tread helps tyres travel through puddles, reducing the risk of aquaplaning, and good pressure improves fuel efficiency and keeps handling stable when the car is at its fullest.

How small checks can save big money

It’s not just about safety, as these checks can protect your wallet too. Underinflated tyres can burn through fuel more quickly and cause uneven wear.

This means you’ll have to fork out for a replacement sooner than necessary. Catching damage early also avoids costly blowouts or emergency callouts.

If you’re unsure what to look for, drivers can watch Just Tyres’ simple YouTube guidance or pop into a local Just Tyres centre for a quick safety check. Tina added: “A two-second glance before you set off can save you stress, money and potentially much more. I’d say it’s the simplest habit drivers can adopt.”

Meanwhile, if you ever think there’s a problem you can’t fix, contact a mechanic for further advice. It’s crucial to seek the help of a professional when needed.