Tread Depth Inspection

The importance of Tread Depth Inspection

Are your tyres legal? When should you change them?

Always ensure your tyres conform to the UK minimum legal tread depth i.e. 1.6mm

This means that your tyres should have at least 1.6mm of tread left across the central three quarters of the tyre tread breadth and around the entire circumference of the tyre.

Various types of tread depth indicator devices can be purchased from car product specialists. These can be dipped into the tyre tread to measure the depth in millimetres. You can also do the 20p test, by following these steps recommended by TyreSafe: 

How to check your tread depth with the 20p test 

1. Ideally, tyre tread depth should be checked at least once a month at the same time that you check your tyre pressure.
 2. Insert the 20p coin into the main tyre grooves at several places around the circumference of the tyre and across its width.
 3. If the outer band of the 20p coin is visible whenever you check the tread, your tread depth may be illegal and you should have them checked by a qualified tyre specialist
 

In addition, most car tyres now have tread wear indicators set into the tread grooves, which show when the tyre is worn to 1.6mm of remaining tread. When these indicators become level with the tread surface your tyres should be changed immediately. 


If you are still having trouble, consult a vehicle maintenance expert. Members of our team are on hand to help if you need us.

Note: If you are taking your vehicle abroad legal tread depth may vary, come and speak to us or ask a reputable source.

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