Tyre tread depth - how is it measured?

[bignige]

I know readings are taken across the tread but where exactly?

Am I also right that the legal depth is 2mm?

Ta

[P7VXR]

Have you used all the tread up already?

[bignige]

No but I want to keep a close eye on it.

[BO55 VXR]

1.6mm throughout a continuous band comprising the central 75% of the width of tread and round the entire other circumference of the tyre.

However, tread on the outside edges should be "visible"

[bignige]

Thanks Chris

[comm_SS_V8]

The legal limit for minimum depth of the tread on your tyres is 1.6 millimetres across the central ¾ (75%) of the tread going around the complete circumference of the tyre.

For safety reasons it is recommended that you replace your tyres before the legal limit is reached. Leading motoring organisations recommend 2mm and many vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing at 3mm. The reason is that braking is affected once you get down to 2-3mm on wet days.

If you're caught with tyres with less than 1.6mm it's a £2500 fine PER TYRE.

If you don't have a tyre tread depth tool, look around the wall of the tyre for a triangle that points towards the tread. Now look at the tread itself and you'll notice a bump within one of the tred grooves that the triangle pointed to. This is the wear indicator. Once the tred get's level with the bump it's down to 1.6mm.

Hope it helps

[V8HSV]

Been caught out many times, never by the Police though, you look at the tyres, you feel the grooves, everything ok till you take the wheel off or have it on a ramp and then you notice how little tread is left. What I am trying to say is that if you have tyres getting close to the legal limit, take em off and have a proper look.

I replace mine once my finger finds the wear indicator getting close to the surface no matter how good they may look.

[DAVE52]

bignige said:

I know readings are taken across the tread but where exactly? Am I also right that the legal depth is 2mm? Ta

Nice to see your up to-date with the regs!!!!!!!





Doh!!!!

[BO55 VXR]

comm_SS_V8 said:

If you're caught with tyres with less than 1.6mm it's a £2500 fine PER TYRE.

...and 3 points - If all 4 are duff, wont need to worry about driving for a while..

[Bignige]

dves52 said:

bignige said: I know readings are taken across the tread but where exactly? Am I also right that the legal depth is 2mm? Ta Nice to see your up to-date with the regs!!!!!!! Doh!!!!

Which is why I asked!

You never been in need of accurate info then or are you always so facking perfect?

[DAVE52]

Which is why I asked!

You never been in need of accurate info then or are you always so facking perfect?
[/quote]

Me. perfect! hell no. But as a DRIVER! It's a legal requirement for you and i to know these things BEFORE you become a DRIVER.

[Bignige]

Yup, you're right...good for you.

[phrich]

The last 2mm is the best bit of the tyre as you can do burnouts without worrying about wasting good rubber.
(not on public roads, ofcourse)

[bignige]

Good call fella!