Tyre legal limits

[Quick flick]

My tyres are on about 2.8mm to 2mm tread depth. I’m aware the legal limit is 1.6mm however one of my tyres is 1.6mm just on the inner 3/4 of the tyre. The other side is 2.8mm does this deem it illegal? Or is it ok because the rest of the tyre is 2.8mm?

Normally I would change my tyres at 3mm to be safe but my new car is due within 3 weeks and I don’t really want to be fitting all brand new tyres.

Any help greatly appreciated.

[Haltamer]

If you're getting a new one in three weeks just avoid driving it if possible.

Technically speaking it applies to central 3/4 of the tread, but worn inners always concern me

[Triumph Man]

It sounds like it might want an alignment, but depending on the car some have a fairly aggressive negative camber which would cause inner wear.

Sounds like it won't be your problem soon anyway!


ETA: Just seen it's one tyre, which would suggest an alignment issue.

[Quick flick]

Thanks guys.
So just to confirm even though it’s in the central 3/4 of the tyre it’s not illegal as the rest of there is above 2mm to 2.8mm ?

[Scrump]

Uk law is minimum 1.6mm across the central 3/4.
If only 1/4 of your tyre is above 1.6mm then you are right on the legal minimum, how accurately have you measured the tread depth?

[Quick flick]

Scrump said:

Uk law is minimum 1.6mm across the central 3/4.
If only 1/4 of your tyre is above 1.6mm then you are right on the legal minimum, how accurately have you measured the tread depth?

I’m 2mm to 2.8mm across the middle and outer of the tyre, just on the 1.6mm on the inner of the tyre. I’ve measured with a gauge and someone else has also measured. We came to the same measurement.

[aka_kerrly]

For a few weeks/hundred(s) miles your best bet might be to swap the wheel with the most worn inner to the opposite side to eek a little more life from it.