"Don’t end up on skid row" - that’s the message from Carmarthenshire council’s road safety unit targeting tyre safety on our county roads.

The tyre safety campaign coincides with ‘National Tyre Safety Month’.

The message is simple, tyres should be checked frequently and especially before a long journey. Drivers should take care of their tyres, keep them correctly inflated and replace them when worn or damaged.

Passenger vehicles (other than motorcycles) for not more than 8 seated passengers, Goods vehicles (not exceeding 3,500kg max gross weight), Light trailers (not exceeding 3,500kg max gross weight), must have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference.

Most vehicles larger than those listed above and motorcycles 50cc and over with or without a sidecar, must have a minimum legal tread depth of 1mm.

County executive board member for environment Cllr Hazel Evans, said: “Making sure your vehicle has the correct tyre pressure is vital to your safety on the road. Under-inflated tyres affect handling and grip, and are also much more likely to have a dangerous sudden rapid deflation, especially on high-speed motorway journeys.

“UK law requires that your vehicle is fitted with the correct tyre for the vehicle type you are driving and for the purpose for which it is being used.

“Drivers are required by law to ensure there is sufficient tread on their tyres before they take to the road.

“It is a vital part of car maintenance to ensure that all tyres are in good condition. To drive with defective tyres carries a high penalty; currently a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per defective tyre.”

If you’re unsure of your car tyre’s tread depth, an easy way to check is by using a Tread Buddy. For your free Tread Buddy (which also acts as a trolley coin) simply email the road safety team on roadsafety@carmarthenshire.gov.uk. Or message them on Facebook @CarmarthenshireRoadSafety or DM on Twitter @CarmsRoadSafety Alternatively log onto www.tyresafe.org to find your local tyre retailer for a free tyre health check.