Drivers could be slapped with hefty fines of £2,500 as well as penalty points for failing to make sure their used car meets UK safety standards.
The warning follows a spike in drivers buying used cars, with data showing a surge of 235 per cent in the past three months.
Experts have now urged drivers to follow simple checks to avoid getting hit with penalties while travelling on UK roads.
They highlight how the first step to avoiding fines is to find an approved used car dealer, which will be more likely to follow safety rules than other dealers.
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Poor vehicle conditions can lead to fines with drivers urged to check a used car history before purchasing
PADrivers should check a car's mileage before purchasing a vehicle. If the count is too high, it could result in the vehicle needing more care than one with a lower count.
Experts at Vertu Motors said: Mileage is a key indicator of a car's life, but a low number doesn't always mean a good deal.
"A car with high mileage that has been meticulously serviced can be a far better buy than a low-mileage model that's been neglected."
Drivers should also look at the service history to understand its usage, which would give motorists leverage to bargain for a better price, as well as avoid purchasing a car with expensive wear-and-tear issues.
Experts called on motorists to check used car engines before purchasing
PAMotorists should also look at the state of the engine and tyres to ensure they meet UK standards, as without checking, it could see drivers travelling in illegal cars.
Tyres need to have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the wheels. Incorrect tyres can increase the stopping distance of vehicles, making them more dangerous on the roads.
But more notably, incorrect tyres can land drivers in serious trouble with police being able to issue fines of £2,500 as well as three penalty points per tyre.
National Tyres and Autocare warned that if all four tyres on a vehicle are found to be illegal, drivers could be fined £10,000 and 12 penalty points on a licence.
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The service shared: "If you are found to be driving with illegal tyres, it is important that you get your tyres changed as soon as possible.
"If you are stopped on a separate occasion and are again found to be driving with tyres below the legal tyre tread limit, you will once again be fined, and penalty points will be added to your driving licence."
Meanwhile, engine checks could also save drivers money and avoid legal consequences for improper use. Vertu Motors suggested that drivers check the engine for any leaks, as well as the oil level and condition of the head gasket, before purchasing a used car.
"Keep in mind that if you are shopping in a car dealership showroom, all these checks should already be done for you, and you should be offered a test drive as standard," the expert explained.
Drivers could be slapped with a £10,000 fine if their tyres are not up to standard PALooking at the vehicle's history is also crucial, as issues could be identified that would make the car unroadworthy.
Experts urged drivers to query whether the used vehicle has a valid MOT and service and when it will next need one, as if the car is long overdue for a check, it could result in fines.
The Department for Transport has warned that drivers can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT. "You cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught," the DfT stated.
While looking at the bigger issues for vehicles, experts have told drivers to also pay attention to the smaller details, such as whether the car has a spare key, a locking wheel and foot mats.
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