In the UK, the legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Driving below this limit can earn you a £2,500 fine and three penalty points per tyre — and more importantly, it significantly increases your stopping distance.
The 20p Coin Test
Place a 20p coin into the main tread groove of your tyre. If the outer band of the coin is hidden, your tyre is above the legal limit. If you can see the outer band clearly, your tread is below 1.6mm and you need new tyres immediately. Check multiple points across and around the tyre.
When to Act
Most tyre safety experts recommend replacing tyres well before the legal minimum — ideally at 3mm. Tests show that a car stopping from 50mph on a wet road with 3mm tread stops around 8 metres shorter than with 1.6mm tread. In an emergency, those metres matter enormously.
Key Takeaways
- Check tread depth every month and before long journeys
- Uneven wear can signal a wheel alignment or pressure issue
- All four tyres must meet the legal minimum — not just the front pair
- Most modern tyres have wear indicator bars moulded into the grooves
Checking your tyre tread takes 60 seconds and could save your life. If your tyres are close to or below the limit, call Multi Mobile Tyres for a same-day replacement.
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