Your vehicle’s tyres are the only part that makes contact with the road, making it absolutely essential to keep all your tyres maintained in a roadworthy condition at all times. Driving with tyres that have a low tread depth can be very dangerous and increases the risk of tyre failure, as well as seriously reducing your vehicle’s control and grip to the road.
Checking your tyre’s tread depth once every month is crucial to maintaining the health of your tyres.
What is the legal tyre tread depth?
The law in the UK requires all car tyres to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the whole circumference of the tyre.
Drivers whose tyres don’t comply with these laws risk a fine of up to £2,500 and three points on their licence for each illegal tyre in use.
Checking your tread depth – 20p test
The 20p test is a quick and simple way of checking your tyre’s tread depth. Simply take an average 20 pence coin, and place it into the tread grooves on your vehicle’s tyre. Take a look at how far down the 20 pence is inserted:
If the outer band of the coin is hidden then your tread is above the legal limit.
If the outer band of the coin is visible then this is an indicator that your tyres are potentially dangerous and possibly illegal – in this case you should have your tyres replaced, or at least checked, by a professional.
Reserve your new tyres in Nottingham today!
