Your tyre tread is your only contact with the road in wet conditions. Learn how to use the 20p coin test and what the legal minimum depth means for your safety.
Tyre tread depth is one of the most critical safety factors on any vehicle. In the UK the legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, and driving below this limit is illegal with fines of up to £2,500 per tyre and three penalty points.
1The 20p Coin Test
Press a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer border of the coin disappears into the groove, your tread is above the legal limit. If the border remains visible, your tyres need replacing immediately.
2Built-in Tread Wear Indicators
Modern tyres have small rubber bars moulded into the tread grooves at exactly 1.6mm depth. When the tread surface is flush with these bars the tyre has reached its legal minimum. Check at multiple points across the full width, as wear is rarely uniform.
3How Often to Check
Check tread depth at least once a month and before long journeys. Front tyres wear faster on front-wheel-drive vehicles — rotating tyres every 8,000–10,000 miles helps distribute wear evenly and extends the life of the full set.
4Replace at 3mm for Maximum Safety
Safety organisations recommend replacing tyres at 3mm rather than the legal 1.6mm minimum. Wet stopping distances increase significantly below 3mm, and the additional cost of early replacement is trivial compared to the risk of a blowout or collision.
Regular tread checks take under two minutes and can prevent dangerous blowouts. Bradford Mobile Tyres can inspect and replace your tyres at your home or workplace across Bradford and West Yorkshire.
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