BusinessCar fast-fit company of the year, Kwik-Fit, has found one in four have knowingly driven on bald tyres because they’re “too busy” to get them changed.

Worst still, by Kwik-Fit‘s calculations up to a million people have knowingly then driven on unsafe tyres for over a month.

Industry researchers MIRA have found that driving on tyres below the legal minimum of 1.6mm diminishes the ability to stop. Braking from 50mph on wet roads takes almost eight metres longer – the length of a bus – on worn tyres.

“Driving on excessively worn tyres places drivers and their passengers at considerable risk, particularly in wet weather – there really is no excuse,” said a Kwik-Fit spokesperson.