Safe driving starts with good tyres. Your tyre tread depth plays a key role in grip, braking, and handling. In wet or dry roads, enough tread keeps you in control. Low tread leads to slips, fines, and risks. UK law sets the min tread at 1.6mm across the main groove. But experts say 3mm is better for safety.
Checking tread at home is quick and easy. No tools needed at first. You can do it in your driveway. This guide shows simple ways to inspect. Regular checks spot wear early. It saves cash on repairs. Plus, it boosts road safety for you and others.
Worn tyres cause most accidents in rain. Deep grooves channel water away. Shallow ones lead to hydroplaning. Fines for bad tyres hit £2,500 per wheel. Points on your license add up too. Checking often avoids these issues.
Spot wear before it worsens
Meet legal standards
Improve fuel economy
Prevent blowouts
Save on early replacements
Tyres last 3-5 years on average. Drive style, road type, and fit matter. Front tyres wear faster on front-wheel cars. Check all four monthly.
Start with no gear. Use the methods below. For precise reads, get a tread gauge. They cost under £5. Or use a coin test. Both work well at home.
Tread depth gauge
20p or £1 coin
Ruler or tape measure
Torch for dark spots
This free trick uses coins you have. It's fast and tells if tread is legal.
Pick a 20p coin. Silver part shows 3mm depth. Outer gold band marks 1.6mm.
Insert coin into the main groove. Do it at three points per tyre: outer, middle, inner.
Check the edge. If silver part hides, tread is over 3mm. Good!
If gold band shows fully, tread under 1.6mm. Replace now.
Repeat for all tyres. Rotate if needed for light.
Pro tip: Test deepest grooves, not shoulders. Uneven wear? Align wheels soon.
For exact numbers, use a gauge. Cheap and accurate.
Buy a gauge from auto shops.
Place it flat in the groove.
Push slider until it touches both tread edges.
Read the mark. Aim for 3mm or more.
Check multiple spots. Note the lowest.
Log results. Track wear over time.
Look for signs of trouble. No tools required.
Cracks or bulges? Unsafe.
Sidewall cuts? Inspect close.
Wear bars level with tread? Time to change.
Uneven pattern? Balance issue.
Smooth tread feels slick. Run hand over it. Rough means good depth.
Don't just check one spot. Wear happens in patches. Skip shoulders; focus centre. Wet tests don't show true depth. Always dry check.
Forget pressures? Low air speeds wear. Pump to specs on door sticker.
Home checks spot issues. But fitting new tyres needs skill. That's where Mobile Tyre Fitting London shines. We come to you. No queues, no hassle.
Our team fits top brands fast. Check tread, balance, align all in one go. Busy in London? Book online. Service at home or work.
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Keep pressures right weekly
Rotate tyres every 10,000 km
Align yearly
Avoid sharp turns, potholes
Drive smooth, no hard brakes
Good habits extend tread. Save money long term.
Winter needs deeper tread. Swap to winters if under 4mm. Summer tyres wear fast in heat. Check before long trips.
In London traffic, stop-go wears fronts. Balance helps.
Stay safe out there. Check tyres today. Drive with peace of mind. For pro Mobile Tyre Fitting London service, reach out anytime.
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