Ultimately the most important element of any vehicle, tyres are the only thing connecting you with the road. They have a major effect on road holding, braking, steering and acceleration, and correctly looked after they will last longer and improve fuel consumption, helping keep you and your vehicle safe.

The UK also has very specific laws when it comes to tyres. Driving with defective tyres currently carries a fine of £2,500 and a 3 penalty point endorsement. That is per defective tyre, so that’s £5,000 and 6 points for two defective tyres.

Look after your tyres by:

I have to admit, it’s not my headline, but one coined by Daily Mail Transport Editor, Ray Massey. The feature of 22nd July discusses Skoda’s top ranking of the most popular car-makers league table, the Which? Car Report, and why the days of it being the butt of all car jokes is long gone.

After being revitalised by car giant Volkswagen, Skoda has shaken their reputation of old. It scored a top-ranking satisfaction rating of 88.4% ahead of Porsche (87.6%) and Lexus (87.1%). Which? Car report said: ‘Skoda scoops the prize for 2011 most popular car-maker. Owners love its utilitarian, great value cars – especially the latest models.’