Can You Get Fined for Having Low Tyre Tread? Mobile Tyre Fitting in Cambridge.

What is the legal tread depth on car tyres?

The two numbers you need to remember when it comes to tyre tread are 3mm and 1.6mm.

3mm Tread Depth

This is the recommended tread depth of a car or light commercial vehicle. Tyres are recommended to be changed once tread reaches 3mm in a continuous band across the central ¾ of the tyre. The reason for this is because once a tyre reaches this depth, stopping distances increase, handling worsens and control of your vehicle, especially in wet conditions, becomes more difficult.

Studies from ROSPA show that stopping distances (m) when tread depth is 6mm are around 24m, when tread is as low as 3mm the distance increases to 27m and then to a shocking 35m when tread reaches the legal limit.

1.6mm Tread Depth

This is a number you don't want to see on your tyres! 1.6mm is the legal tread depth on a car or light commercial tyre. Once this tread depth is reached, your grip to the road surface is hugely reduced and the likeliness of an accident is much higher.

Although the most important factor of having sufficient tread depth is without a doubt SAFETY another thing that comes into play is cost!

It might seem like an "unnecessary" expense to change your tyres, especially at this time of year with Christmas just around the corner. However, if you can stopped and your tread depth is below the legal limit, you risk a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre and 3 points on your licence. Which is a lot more costly than a new tyre.

Check Your Tyres!

The most important thing you can do is ensure the ONLY point of contact you have with the road surface is in good condition, safe and legal! Find out more on how to check your tyres and if you still need assistance, call us!

0333 444 5454

You can also book a to-the-minute appointment online – ORDER MY TYRES!