How to Check Tyre Tread? 3 Quick and Easy Methods

Many drivers overlook tyre tread until it’s too late—risking poor grip and costly penalties. Uneven or worn tyres aren’t just illegal; they can be dangerous. This guide on how to check tyre tread walks you through safe, DIY checks that anyone can do. Know how long your car tyre last and when to replace them.

Stay safe and road-ready with these quick tips.

Top 3 Methods to Check Your Tyre Tread Depth

Method 1: Using a Tyre Tread Depth Gauge

Using a tread depth gauge is the most accurate way to check the depth of your tyres tread. This small tool is extremely affordable and easy to use. You can find it online or at any car parts store.

How to use it:

• Place the gauge’s probe into a groove on your tyre.
• Make sure it’s firmly pressed down and sitting flat.
• Read the number displayed on the gauge.
• Check several spots across the tyre, including edges and centre.
• Repeat for all four tyres.

If your reading is below the legal limit, the tyre is unsafe and must be replaced. Also, look for uneven tread wear. If one side is more worn than the other, your wheels might need alignment. Uneven wear could also mean over or under-inflation.

Checking with a gauge monthly helps spot problems early, keeps your tyres legal, and improves safety.

Method 2: The 20p Coin Test

This is a quick and easy way to check your tyre tread at home. No tools are needed—just a 20p coin.

Here’s how to do it:

• Grab a 20p coin from your wallet.
• Insert it into the main groove of your tyre.
• Look closely at the coin’s outer rim.
  

If the outer rim of the coin is still visible, your tread is below legal limit. That means it’s time to replace the tyre. If the rim disappears into the groove, your tread is still legal and safe.

Repeat the test in different spots on each tyre. Don’t forget to check near the edges, where wear can happen faster.

This method isn’t as precise as a tread gauge, but it’s a great quick check between car services. It only takes a few minutes and can help you avoid fines or unsafe driving conditions.

Method 3: Tyre Tread Wear Indicators

Most tyres come with built-in tread wear indicators. These are small raised bars found inside the main grooves of your tyre.

Here’s how to check them:

• Look closely into the tread grooves of your tyre.
• You’ll spot small rubber bars running across the groove.
• If the tread is worn down to the same level as these bars, your tyre needs replacing.

It’s a clear warning that your tyres are no longer safe or legal to use. This method is very useful and doesn’t require any tools. However, many drivers miss it because they don’t know it exists.

So next time you inspect your tyres, keep an eye out for those tiny bars—they tell you a lot.

What is the Legal Tyre Tread Depth in the UK?

In the UK, your tyre tread must be at least 1.6mm deep. This rule applies across the central  3/4 of the tyre’s width. It also needs to meet this depth all the way around the tyre. This law applies to each tyre on your vehicle, including the spare if used.

If your tread falls below the legal limit, you could face a £2,500 fine per tyre. You may also get three points on your licence for each illegal tyre.

So, it’s not just about safety—it’s a legal requirement you can’t afford to ignore. However, regular checks can help you avoid trouble and stay safe on the road.

What Causes Tyre Wear?

Tyre wear is a natural process, but certain factors can cause it to happen faster. You can’t stop it completely. It’s just rubber meeting road. Here are some causes that wear tyre tread:

i. Under or over-inflated tyres

Tyres that are not inflated to the correct pressure can wear out quickly. Under-inflated tyres increase friction, while over-inflated tyres cause the centre of the tread to wear down faster.

ii. Wheel misalignment

Misaligned wheels cause the tyres to wear unevenly. This happens because the tyres don’t meet the road evenly, leading to excessive wear on one side.

iii. Aggressive driving or hard braking

Driving too fast, especially around corners, or constantly slamming on the brakes can cause rapid tyre wear. It puts extra stress on the tyres, causing them to lose tread faster.

iii. Unbalanced wheels

When the weight distribution across your tyres is uneven, it causes vibration and extra wear. Unbalanced wheels can result in patches of worn-out tread, shortening tyre life.

iv. Not rotating tyres regularly

Tyres should be rotated every 6,000-8,000 miles. If not, the front and rear tyres wear differently due to their different roles, which leads to uneven tread depth.

What are the Consequences of Illegal and Bald Tyres?

Driving with worn or bald tyres is risky, expensive, illegal, and, more importantly, dangerous. Here’s what can happen:

i. Reduced road grip

Bald tyres have less traction, particularly in wet conditions or while driving in winters. This significantly increases braking distances and the risk of skidding, making it harder to control your vehicle.

ii. Penalties and fines

In the UK, driving with bald or shallow tyres can lead to hefty fines and penalty points. This can also affect your driving record and insurance premiums, making it an expensive issue to overlook.

iii. Endangering lives

The most important consequence is the risk to safety. Reduced grip and control make car accidents much more likely. Whether it’s you or another driver, bald tyres can cause serious accidents that could be prevented with proper tyre maintenance.

iv. MOT test failure

Bald tyres are one of the most common reasons for an MOT failure. If your tyres don’t meet the required tread depth, your car will fail the test, and you’ll need to replace the tyres to pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is 2 mm tyre tread ok?

Yes, 2mm tyre tread is okay as it is above the legal limit of 1.6mm, but it’s not ideal for safety. In fact, many experts recommend replacing tyres at 3mm, especially for wet weather driving. Therefore, though legal, 2mm tread may reduce grip and increase stopping distances. It’s best to replace tyres before they reach this point.

2. How long will 5 mm tyre tread last? 

Tyre tread wear depends on driving habits and road conditions. On average, a 5mm tread depth can last anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 miles, but this varies. Regular tyre maintenance, such as proper inflation and alignment, can help prolong the tread life.

3. What is the legal limit for tyres to pass an MOT?

In the UK, tyres must have at least 1.6mm tread across the central three-quarters. If any tyre falls below this, your vehicle will fail the MOT. Therefore, it’s important to check tread depth often to avoid costly retests and fines. Staying above the limit ensures both compliance and safety.

4. How can I check my tyre tread at home?

You can check your tyre tread at home using the 20p coin test. Insert the 20p coin into the tyre groove—if the outer rim is visible, the tread is too low.

5. Can tyre wear affect my fuel efficiency?

Yes, tyre wear can impact your car’s fuel efficiency. As tyres wear down or lose pressure, rolling resistance increases. Consequently, your car uses more fuel to maintain speed. Keeping tyres in good shape helps improve mileage and saves money in the long run.

Conclusion

Keeping your tyre tread in good shape isn’t just about passing the MOT. It is about safety, performance, and peace of mind. By checking regularly using these simple methods, you can avoid fines, accidents, and costly repairs.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Stay road-safe and confident—explore more car care tips and expert guides in our blog section now!