Legal Tyre Tread Depth in the UK: How to Check Yours

What the law says

Car tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tread, all the way round the tyre. Driving on illegal tyres can mean a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre.

It is also an MOT failure, and an insurer may question a claim if your tyres were below the limit.

The 20p test

Put a 20p coin into the main grooves of the tread. If you can see the outer band of the coin, the tread may be close to or below the limit and needs checking properly. Try it in several places across and around each tyre, because tyres often wear unevenly.

Most tyres also have tread wear indicators — small raised bars in the grooves. When the tread is level with them, the tyre is at the limit.

Do not wait for 1.6mm

Stopping distances in the wet increase noticeably as tread wears down, so many drivers replace tyres at around 3mm. Also look for cuts, bulges, cracking in the sidewall, and wear on just the inner or outer edge, which points to a tracking problem.

Tyre checks in Brierley Hill

We check tread depth and condition at every service and MOT, and can fit new tyres and check your tracking. Call us on 01384 936310.