Tyres were in the news last week after a tragic accident killed four cyclists.

The driver was fined £180 and given six penalty points for having three defective tyres but it was black ice that caused the accident.

However, tyres are essential to stay safe and improve your steering, braking, acceleration to help prevent accidents.

Auto Trader has come up with these top tips on how to keep your tyres safe and roadworthy.

Tread Depth

By law cars and vans must have at least 1.6mm of tread all around the tyre. This is a minimum and it is strongly advised to have more tread. This limit applies to cars with up to eight-seats and trailers up to 3,500kg.

New and Used Tyres

Buying used tyres is a cheaper option but it can be risky as you don’t know the history of the tyre; it could be a repair or remould. Always buy the best tyres you can afford. Auto Trader tyre centre has all the best deals.

Tyre Pressure

An under-inflated tyre can severely affect your car’s ability to turn and stop. Similarly if your tyres are over-inflated they will offer less grip.You should check your pressure every week, particularly before a long journey. Most petrol stations have an electric tyre pump and a chart showing the recommended tyre pressure, however you should always consult your car’s manual for the definitive information.

Tyre Damage

Always check your tyres for any splits, gouges, cuts or other damage as this can increase the possibility of a blow out. Contact a tyre specialist who could repair or replace the damaged tyre.

Motorists can be fined up to £10,000 and receive 12 points on their licence for driving a vehicle with unsafe tyres.