Your tyres are the only part of your car that actually touches the road: four contact patches, each roughly the size of your hand. Tread depth has a big effect on how well your car grips, brakes and steers, especially in the wet. The good news? Checking it takes about two minutes.
What’s the legal minimum tread depth in the UK?
For cars, the legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread, around the entire circumference of the tyre. Driving on tyres below this limit can mean a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points per tyre, and it could cause problems with an insurance claim if you’re involved in an accident.
The 20p test: check your tread in two minutes
- Take a 20p coin and insert it into the main grooves of the tyre tread.
- Look at the outer band of the coin. If you can’t see it, your tread is likely above the legal limit.
- If the outer band is visible, your tread may be close to or below 1.6mm, so get your tyres checked as soon as possible.
- Repeat at three or four points around each tyre, checking the inner, middle and outer grooves.
Top tip
Look for uneven wear while you’re there. If one edge of the tyre is more worn than the other, it can point to incorrect tyre pressures or a wheel alignment issue.
Look for the tread wear indicators
Most tyres have small raised bars moulded into the bottom of the main grooves. They sit at 1.6mm, so if the tread has worn down level with these bars, the tyre has reached the legal limit and needs replacing.
Why replace your tyres before 1.6mm?
Tread channels water away from the contact patch. As it wears, your tyres can’t clear water as effectively, which means longer stopping distances and a higher risk of aquaplaning in heavy rain. Many tyre experts recommend considering new tyres at around 3mm, especially heading into autumn and winter.
Other things to check while you’re down there
- Cuts, bulges or cracks in the sidewall. A bulge means internal damage and the tyre should be replaced.
- Objects in the tread, like screws or nails. Don’t pull them out; get the tyre checked first.
- Tyre pressures. Check them when the tyres are cold, using the figures in your handbook or on the sticker inside the driver’s door or fuel flap.
Not sure about your tyres?
Pop into RubberGuys at 45 Carlisle Street, Leicester, and we’ll take a look and give you honest advice. If you do need new tyres, we stock budget, mid-range and premium options and can usually fit them while you wait.
