THOUSANDS of drivers are risking their own and other road users' lives by failing to maintain their car's tyres properly.

Research carried out by Green Flag Motoring Assistance in association with road safety charity Brake has revealed one in 20 drivers fail to check their vehicle's tyre pressure or tread depth.

Around 20 per cent said they relied on others to do the job for them, while a third confirmed they only checked them at three-monthly intervals. Just a fifth of motorists surveyed checked their tyres on a weekly basis as recommended by the Highway Code.

Melanie Denny, a spokesperson for Green Flag, said: "These results are worrying as they suggest many drivers don't realise how dangerous worn out or damaged tyres can be.

"Tyres are the only contact the vehicle has with the road, and poorly maintained ones can lead to fatal crashes as well as breakdowns and fines. For every tyre that is found to be non-roadworthy, motorists can be fined £2,500."

Green Flag offers the following maintenance tips to motorists:

1) Check the tyre pressure weekly when the tyres are cold. Your vehicle's handbook will tell you the right pressure. If in doubt, consult a garage or tyre specialist.

2) Remember to check the pressure of the spare wheel too.

3) Before setting off on a long journey, check tyres for cuts, bulges, bald patches or cracks.

4) Check the tyre tread once a month using the tread wear indicator bars, which are small ridges set into the main grooves. These indicate the legal minimum tread. Change your tyres before they reach this point. If you cannot find the bars, look for the letters TWI on your tyre wall, or ask a garage.

5) If you are a high mileage driver, check your tyre-tread more frequently.