Almost a fifth of motorists have driven with potentially unsafe tyres after ignoring MOT advisories, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 drivers found 27 per cent of those who've have failed to act on such warnings following the mandatory safety check have waited 'months' to replace them.

While 11 per cent held off for entire year – until their next MOT.

Four in 10 (38 per cent) confess they only buy new tyres as result of failing the annual test, despite stopping distances being significantly longer with worn-out tyres.

Commissioned by eBay UK, to highlight tyre safety as it relaunches its tyre fitment service which offers a choice of more than 3,000 installer locations across the UK, the study found 20 per cent rarely or never check the condition of their tyres.

While 18 per cent revealed they have no idea what state their tyres are in and 12 per cent admit they wouldn't know how to check.

A spokesperson for the online marketplace said: "Our research suggests millions of motorists aren't fully considering the ramifications of driving with unroadworthy tyres, especially during the winter months.

"It's not worth the risk when you think about how accessible and affordable a fresh set can be.

"We want to help motorists embrace the amount of choice that's out there, providing that hub to shop and book fitment for new tyres around their specific needs."

The study also found 45 per cent aren't certain what the tyre pressure for their car tyres should be and 12 per cent rarely or never ensure their tyres are sufficiently pumped up – if ever.

While 49 per cent seldom adjust inflation depending on weather conditions and similarly, 60 per cent don't do this to take into account number of passengers and amount of luggage onboard.

It also emerged 28 per cent have no clue how to change a tyre, and 25 per cent aren't certain where their spare one is located.

And 70 per cent aren't entirely sure what the information on the side of car tyres refers to or what it means.

Further to this, 27 per cent don't know what to look for when purchasing new tyres – but 58 per cent are clear on one thing, they believe tyres sold in garages are too expensive.

Despite this, the research carried out through OnePoll found 66 per cent have never considered purchasing them from retailers other than a garage – like online sellers.

A spokesperson for eBay UK, which has more than doubled the number of garages in its UK tyre fitment network this year, said: "It's crucial motorists understand how car tread impacts stopping distances – especially in adverse weather conditions."