Why Tyre Tread Matters

Is it important to check your tyre tread?

You bet it is. Frankly, it could save your life. Here’s why it matters:

Why Tyre Tread Matters:

Grip:

Tyre tread provides the grip your vehicle needs to maintain contact with the road, especially in wet or slippery conditions.   

If your tyres are worn the traction or grip is drastically reduced. Which means – increasing the risk of skidding, hydroplaning, and longer braking distances.   

Safety:

Adequate tread depth is crucial for maintaining control of your vehicle.  Your risk of accidents is significantly increased if your tread is worn.   

The Law:

The UK has a legal minimum tread depth requirement. Driving with worn tyres can result in fines or other penalties.  In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth for car tyres is:1.6 millimeters across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s breadth and around its entire circumference.   

Here are some key points to remember:

It’s not just about meeting the legal minimum. Experts recommend replacing tyres well before they reach 1.6mm, suggesting 3mm as a good guideline.   

Driving with tyres below the legal limit can result in:

A fine of up to £2,500 per tyre.   

Three penalty points on your driving licence per tyre.   

Therefore, if all four tyres are illegal, you could face a potential fine of £10,000 and 12 penalty points.

It is very important that this legal minimum is met across the central 3/4 of the tyre, and around the complete circumference.