HOW TO CHECK YOUR TYRE DEPTH

Checking your tyre tread is another simple but important thing that you should do at least once a month and before long car journeys to ensure that your vehicle is safe and road legal. 

The minimum legal tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, although you should consider getting your tyres replaced before they get to or below the legal tread depth limit. 

To check your tyre tread depth accurately you will need a tyre tread depth gauge (however as a quick check you can use a 20p...more about that below!) The tyre tread depth gauge is very easy to use. All you need to do is place it in the tyre tread depth groove and the gauge will measure your tread depth. 

  • ​Park on a flat surface 
  • Secure your car with the handbrake
  • Switch off engine 
  • Car is now safely secure for you to walk around and check every tyre
  • Check each tyre in at least 3 places with the tyre tread depth gauge 

If the tread depth on any of your tyres is 1.6mm or below you will need to take them to be replaced as they are not road legal. If you get caught by the police with illegal tread depth you could face a maximum of 3 penalty points and a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre. So if all 4 of your tyres are below the legal limit you could lose your licence (maximum number of points before a driving ban is 12) and face a fine of up to £10,000! 

20p test

You can use a 20p to make sure that you have adequate tyre tread depth. All you need to do is place the 20p into the main tread depth (as shown in the diagram to the right) If the outer band of the 20p is covered then your tyre tread is above the legal limit. If the outer band of the 20p is not covered then you need to take your vehicle to a qualified professional. All of dealerships have members of staff who are qualified to check and replace your tyres should they need to be replaced.

If you would like more guidance on Tyre Tread or any other vehicle maintenance information, contact your nearest Furrows dealership here​.