Tyre tread depth guide: Everything you need to know
What is tyre tread depth?
Tyre tread depth is the thickness of the rubber that comes in contact with the road. It's measured from the top of the tread to the bottom of the deepest grooves. Enough tread depth is important because it helps your tyres grip the road better, especially when wet or slippery.
New tyre tread depth
When you get new tyres, the tread depth is usually around 8 to 9 millimetres (mm). This thick tread gives you the best grip and handling, making your driving experience safer and smoother.
Plus, the deep grooves in new tyres help push water out of the way, reducing the chance of skidding on wet roads and improving traction. This means your car can stop faster and handle better, keeping you safer in all kinds of weather.
Minimum legal tyre tread depth in the UK
So, what should your tyre tread depth be? In the UK, your car tyres must have a minimum of at least 1.6 millimetres (mm) tread depth in the middle three-quarters of the tyre and all the way around. If your tyres are worn below this limit, you can get fined, receive penalty points on your licence, and increase your chances of having an accident.
To stay safe, consider replacing your tyres when the tread depth drops to 2 or 3 mm. This is especially important in wet weather, as deeper tread helps your tyres grip the road better and reduces the risk of skidding.
How to check tyre tread depth
Ensuring your tyre tread depth is sufficient is important for safe driving and passing your MOT. With Vixa's app, checking your tyre health has never been easier. Here’s how you can use Vixa to help keep your tyres in top condition:
Discover your tyre health and tread depth with Vixa:
1. Sign up for Vixa: Visit the Vixa website and click 'Get started' or 'Join' to begin the process. This includes a compatibility check, account creation, and subscription.
2. Download the Vixa App: Once you have subscribed online, download the Vixa app from our website or your app store.
3. In-App Tyre Scanning: The app will guide you through scanning each tyre step by step, making it easy to capture the necessary images using our third party supplier CaRool.
4. Upload Tyre Photos: Follow the in-app instructions to take and upload photos of your tyres, ensuring you capture clear images of the tread and sidewalls.
5. Tyre Health Report: Via the Vixa app, Carool estimates your current tyre wear, checks for potential tyre damage, and gives a comprehensive status report and recommendations. This includes:
Tyre Wear and Damage Assessment: An estimate of current tyre wear and identification of any visible tyre damage.
Recommendations: Based on the analysis, you will receive personalised advice on replacing your tyres or taking other actions.
6. Receive Analysis In A Matter Of Minutes: Once your photos are uploaded, CaRool will analyse them and provide a detailed PDF report on your tyre's tread depth, age, and overall health.
Tyre wear patterns
Understanding tyre wear patterns and indicators can help diagnose potential issues with your vehicle:
Centre wear:
If the centre of the tyre is wearing faster than the edges, it may indicate over-inflation.
Edge wear:
Wear on both edges suggests under-inflation.
One-side wear:
Wear on one side of the tyre could indicate misalignment.
Patchy wear:
Uneven or patchy wear can indicate unbalanced wheels or suspension issues.
What can cause excessive tyre wear?
Several factors can lead to excessive tyre wear, such as:
Improper inflation: Both over-inflation and under-inflation can cause tyres to wear unevenly.
Misalignment: Wheels that are not aligned correctly can cause tyres to wear more on one side.
Unbalanced wheels: Unbalanced wheels can cause vibrations, leading to uneven tyre wear.
Aggressive driving: Hard braking, rapid acceleration, and high-speed cornering can all contribute to faster tyre wear.
Poor road conditions: Driving frequently on rough or uneven surfaces can cause tyres to deteriorate more quickly.
How to prolong tyre life
To get the most out of your tyres, here are some top tips to keep your tyres road-safe :
Regularly check tyre pressure: Ensure tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels.
Rotate tyres: Regular tyre rotation (every 6,000 to 8,000 miles) helps to even out wear patterns.
Maintain proper alignment and balance: Regular wheel alignment and balancing can prevent uneven wear.
Drive smoothly: Avoid harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and taking corners at high speed.
Inspect tyres regularly: Check for signs of damage, foreign objects, or unusual wear patterns.
Proper storage of tyres: If you use seasonal tyres, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use.
Monitor tyre health with Vixa
Maintaining proper tyre tread depth is crucial for your safety and your car's performance. Regularly check your tyres, know the legal requirements, and use tools like Vixa to avoid potential issues and help keep you safe on the roads.
Vixa is designed to help catch problems before they happen, helping avoid unexpected road issues. This advanced service uses AI technology to monitor your car's health, including the condition of your tyres. If you scan your tyres, Vixa will flag if there are problems, like uneven wear or low tread depth.
Get Vixa for just £3.99 a month for existing AA Breakdown or Insurance members, or £5.99 for new customers, with no lock-in period, this includes a free plug-in device.
Enjoy peace of mind knowing your car is in good hands. Head to our homepage to learn more and keep your car in top condition. T&Cs apply.