How measuring your Tyre tread could save your life

When you are driving along in your car, tyre tread is probably the least important thing on your mind. You may think “this can wait until my next service or MOT” but tyre tread may seem like a small detail, but it can play a massive role in keeping you and your loved ones safe on the road.

Worn out tyres can reduce your car’s ability to grip the road which can increase your chances of skidding, hydroplaning, or even increase the risk of an accident. For a free tyer check simply pop into Tyre2you Warminster or Tyre2you Radstock. Call to book in your free tyre check on 01761 568 118.

Why is Tyre Tread Depth Important?

Tyre tread isn’t just about making sure your tyres are looking good – it is actually a key component in your vehicle’s safety. This matters because:

The grooves in your tyre tread help your grip on the road. A worn tread reduces this grip instead of maintaining your traction (which is especially important in wet or icy conditions) and keeps you from losing control.

A good tread depth can push water away to prevent your car from hydroplaning on wet roads. A shallow tread can’t displace water effectively enough which will increase your risk of sliding.

Good tread makes sure you can stop your car quickly and safely. Worn tyres means it takes longer distances to stop which isn’t great, especially in an emergency.

And as an added bonus, by keeping your tyres at a good tread depth you can improve your vehicle’s overall performance. Bald tyres make your car work harder, which will burn more fuel.

How to Measure Tyre Tread

Measuring your tyre tread is simple and can be done at home with a few easy methods:

Using a Tyre Tread Gauge - A tyre tread depth gauge is the most accurate way to measure. Insert the probe into the groove and read the depth on the scale. The depth should be above the legal minimum of 1.6mm in the UK and Europe

The 20p Coin Test - Insert a 20p coin into the Tyre's main grooves. If the outer band of the coin is visible, your tread is below 1.6mm and should be replaced.

Using a Ruler - If you don’t have a gauge or a coin handy, a ruler works too. Measure the depth of the tread grooves—anything below 3mm means you should start considering a replacement.

Book online at www.Tyre2you.co.uk or phone 01761568118. Call tyre2you to book in your free tyre check on 01761 568 118.

Understanding The Tyre Tread Depths and Those Legal Limits

Legal Tyre Tread Depth Requirements

Different countries have legal limits on tread depth to ensure safety:

• In the UK and Europe: The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the Tyre's width.

Driving with less than these minimums is illegal and could result in fines, points on your license, and invalidation of your insurance.

Recommended Safe Tread Depth

While 1.6mm is the legal minimum, experts recommend replacing tyres when the tread falls below 3mm. This is because braking performance drops significantly below this point, especially in wet conditions. Keeping your tread above 3mm means you can keep your car performance optimal and ready for any weather conditions.

How Long Will Your Tyre Tread Last?

The lifespan of your tyre tread depends on several factors:

• Your Driving Habits: If you tend to be a little aggressive with your driving, with sharp turns and sudden braking, you can wear tread faster.
• The Road Conditions: If you tend to use rough, uneven, or pothole-filled roads, this can and will accelerate tread wear.
• Your Tyre’s Quality: High-performance tyres like Bridgestone are made from advanced rubber compounds
• Your Vehicle’s Alignment and Balance Matter: Poor alignment or imbalanced tyres cause uneven tread wear, reducing their lifespan. Even if you’re looking for budget tyres, you can still massively increase your tyres lifespan, keeping you safer for longer.

How Long Will 2mm Tyre Tread Last?

Tyres with 2mm tread depth are close to the legal limit. On average, a tyre wears down 1mm of tread every 3,000-4,000 miles. Therefore, tyres with 2mm of tread could last another 3,000 miles, depending on conditions and your driving style. However, it’s best to replace them soon for safety.

How Long will 5mm Tyre Tread Last?

With 5mm of tread, your tyres are in good shape. You can expect them to last several thousand more miles. However, regular checks are still recommended as tread can wear unevenly, especially if tyres are not rotated or properly inflated. At Tyre2You we offer mobile fitting so we can fit your brand-new tyres from wherever you are. Whether you need 4×4 tyres, hybrid and electric tyres or all season tyres, we have got your tyre needs covered.

For a free tyer check simply pop into Tyre2you Warminster or Tyre2you Radstock. Call to book in your free tyre check on 01761 568 118.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I know when my tyre tread is unsafe?

Your tyre tread is unsafe if it’s below the legal limit—1.6mm in the UK and Europe. Aside from depth, look for warning signs such as:

• Uneven tread wear, which could indicate poor alignment.
• Visible tread wear indicators—small bars in the grooves of the tyre that appear when the tread is low.
• Cracking or bulging on the Tyre's sidewall, which could signal tyre failure.

What happens if I drive on tyres with low tread?

Driving on tyres with low tread can lead to serious risks:

1. Reduced Traction
2. Hydroplaning Risk:
3. Shorter Braking Distances
4. Blowouts
5. Legal Consequences
6. And Increased Wear on Your Vehicle

Book online at www.Tyre2you.co.uk or phone 01761568118