Tyre tread depth

What is the tyre tread depth for cars? Tyre tread depth has to be above 1. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1. Check the depth of the main tread grooves in several places both across and around the tyre, using the gauge in the fashion demonstrated in the manufacturer’s guidelines.

According to the law, the tyre tread depth must be at least 1. However, it’s important to note that this is the absolute minimum.

If the tread measurement is between 1. Research carried out by MIRA shows that tyres with 3mm of tread perform on average 25% better than those with a tread depth of 1. UK tyre law : what is the legal tyre tread depth UK law stipulates that a car should have a minimum tread depth of 1. How to measure tyre tread depth ? LEGAL MINIMUM TREAD DEPTH. In wet weather tyre tread grooves help to remove water from the contact patch between your tyres and the road surface meaning your car can brake, steer and accelerate properly.

Start by turning the steering wheel so you can see across the entire surface of the tread. For safety reasons it is recommended that you replace your tyres before the legal limit is reached.

Many vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing at millimetres, as below this depth stopping distances start to dramatically increase.

SIMUER PCS Plastic Tyre Tread Depth Gauge Meter Measurer 0-mm Vernier Depth Caliper for Car Motorcycle Truck Wheel Measure Tool - Blue. Once you have done this, you can either get a tread depth gauge or you can use the wear markers on the tyre as a guide. The minimum tread depth is 1. Legal limit UK) around three quarters of the tyre, so bear this in mind when your measuring.

Tyres normally have around 8mm of tread when new but vary slightly between manufacturers. Driving with worn tyres is not only a serious safety risk, but a costly one too.

You can use the quick and simple 20p test. Insert a 20p coin into the lowest tread depth of your tyres. If you can’t see the outer rim around the edge of the coin, then your tyre is safe and has a minimum of 3mm tread depth. If you CAN see the rim then your tyre tread is less than 3mm and should be checked by a professional.

In an ideal worl you should check your tyre’s tread depth and pressure at least once every two weeks, and at the very least once a month. New tyres are manufactured with around 8mm of tread depth, but this wears away over time, which compromises the car’s road handling, ability to cope in wet conditions, road grip and safety.

Legally, the minimum allowable depth of tread is 1. To ensure your safety, measure the tread depth as part of your regular vehicle maintenance. Tread is the rubber on the tyre that touches the road.

As you drive, the tread will wear down. A tyre with a tread depth below 1. Braking distance and vehicle control are impaired. Depending on their type, new tyres have a tread depth of between mm and 9.

While the minimum legal tread depth for all passenger car tyres in Europe is 1. On UK tyres, the treadware indicators are set at the minimum legal tread depth of 1. Another quick method to measure your tyre tread is the ‘20p test’. At least for each axle, the same tire model should turn with as similar wear as possible.

Tyre depth and why you should change at 3mm. Just for perspective, the average thumb nail is about 1mm thick! This is advised by the ADAC.