The original tread pattern must be clearly visible in the remaining quarter. At least 1mm where the original pattern did not extend beyond three-quarters of the breadth of the tread. At least 1mm throughout a continuous band across at least 3/4 of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference.
What are the legal requirements of a tyre?
The law requires car tyres to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm in a continuous band around the central three quarters of the tyre. To help you judge how much tread you have on your car tyres, manufacturers often mould tread bars at roughly 1.6mm.
What is the minimum legal TYRE tread in the UK?
1.6 millimeters
The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the uk is 1.6 millimeters, across the central ¾ which is 75% of the tread around the complete circumference of the tyre.
Are tyres over 10 years old illegal?
From 1 February 2021 Construction and Use Regulations will not allow tyres aged over 10 years old to be used on the front steered axles of HGVs, buses, coaches or all single wheels fitted to a minibus (9 to 16 passenger seats). So, if used it will mean a dangerous fail at annual test and a prohibition.
How do I check if my tyres are legal UK?
The easiest way to check your tyre tread’s legal is to look out for tread wear indicators. These are usually small bars, about 5mm wide, built into the base of the tyre’s main grooves. If the tyre tread is level with the top of the wear indicator, it means your tyres have reached the legal limit of 1.6mm.
Is 2 mm tyre tread legal?
Minimum legal tread depth So, what is the minimum tread depth required for car tyres? While a new car tyre begins life with approximately 8mm of tread, the minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm. However, most motoring organisations recommend changing your tyres before the tread gets to this level.
Is 3mm tyre tread OK?
Tyre and safety experts believe the 1.6mm legal minimum is insufficient to guarantee safety – most recommend a minimum tread depth of 3mm for tyre replacement. If there’s less tread depth, less water can be shifted, increasing the risk of aquaplaning and losing grip.
Are 12 year old tyres safe?
Together with other organisations in the tyre and automotive industries, we advise that all tyres (including spare tyres) made more than ten years ago should be removed from service and replaced with new tyres.
What are the new tyre laws in the UK?
On Monday February 1, a new law came into effect which means that tyres aged over 10-years-old cannot be used on the front steered axles of HGVs, buses, coaches or all single wheels fitted to a minibus (9 to 16 passenger seats).
How long do 3mm tyres last?
With all the possible variables taken into account, the minimum average period 3mm of tyre tread depth will last before it reaches the legal limit of 1.6mm is between would be 10,000-20,000 miles but it could be considerably more than that.
Should tyres be replaced at 3mm?
One of the key conclusions of the research was: “Replace your tyres soon after the tread depth reaches 3mm. Always change them once the tread has worn down to 2mm or less at any point.” Several vehicle manufacturers also recommend 3mm as the standard changeover point.
Is tyre age part of mot?
“As tyres are marked with their date of manufacture, it will be a simple check to add to the MOT test. “Although this new measure focuses on larger vehicles, car drivers should also check the age of their own tyres, especially if they only do low mileage, as they may suffer tyre ageing before their tread wears out.
What is tyre law in the UK?
Tyres and the Law UK law requires that your vehicle is fitted with the correct type and size of tyre for the vehicle you are driving, and for the purpose it is being used. This means fitting the right tyres, and, for safety, ensuring that they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Find out more about tyre law essentials below.
What is the legal limit for tread depth on tyres?
The law of the country is that the tread depth must not be under the legal limit of 1.6mm. The full extent of the 1.6mm rule is explained below: The grooves of the tread must not be lower than 1.6mm through out a continuous band and must be ¾ of the breadth and entire outer circumference of the tyre.
Do I need spare tyres in the UK?
For example, while any tyre with a tyre speed index over L (75 mph) is suitable for the purposes of driving under the national speed limit, if your vehicle has a top speed of 150 mph, than you would need tyres with a W (168 mph) rating or higher. Spare tyres are not a legal requirement in the UK.
What is the speed limit on temporary use only tyres?
All tyres marked “Temporary Use Only” are restricted to 50mph. Re-grooved tyres are illegal on any passenger car or utility vehicle below 3,500 kilograms gross vehicle weight. Tread depth requirements vary throughout Europe, so make sure you check the tread depth requirements for all countries you will be passing through.
