Three car tyres stacked up with one trye on side on floor

How to check your Tyre Tread Depth?

What is tyre tread depth?

Tyre tread depth are the strips around the circumference of the tyre which ensures drivability and grip on road surfaces.   Your cars tyres are the only contact with the road which is why it’s important to check your tyre tread regularly. We recommend you should do this around once a month.

The Minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm across the central 3/4 quarters of the tyre. Illegal tread depth can result in a failed MOT test and pose a safety risk whilst driving.

How to check your Tread Depth?

Before checking your tyre tread depth, always wear protective gloves, make sure the vehicle is on level ground, apply the handbrake & turn your wheels on full lock.

There are different ways you can check your tread depth.

 Method 1:

Did you know the border around a 20p coin is approximately 1.6mm across the central ¾ quarters of the tyre?  Insert the 20p coin into the groove of the tyre, if it reaches the mark or just over they’re legal, repeat the process across the tread area. Who’d of thought loose change would come in handy when it comes to your vehicle!  

Method 2:

The second way is  to use a tyre depth gauge. Place the needle on the tread and push the plunger down until it stops. Take the readings of the measurement shown.

Method 3:  

Look out for the tyre tread wear indicators (TWI). These are raised strips that cover the entire width of the tread. When your tyres wear down to meet these raised strips, the tyre needs replacing.

Free Tyre Health Check

At Eurofit Autocentres we’ll check the condition of your tyres including;

  • Tread depth
  • Tyre pressure
  • Visual inspection for cuts, bulges or any abnormalities 

 Book your Free tyre health check today 

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