Keeping an eye on your tyres isn’t just about making your car look good, it’s about keeping you safe, legal, and in control on the road. One of the easiest things to overlook is tyre tread depth, yet it plays a massive role in how your vehicle grips the road, handles in wet weather, and brakes effectively.
If your tread depth drops below the legal limit, you could face hefty fines, points on your licence, and more importantly, put yourself and others at risk. The good news? Checking your tyre tread depth at home is simple, quick, and requires little to no special equipment.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about tyre tread depth, why it matters, how to measure it, and when to replace your tyres. And if you’d rather leave it to the professionals, we’ll let you know how Wheelbase Garage in Burgess Hill can help.
Why Tyre Tread Depth Is Important
Your tyres are the only part of your vehicle that actually touches the road, just four small contact patches of rubber, each roughly the size of a postcard. That’s why tread depth is so important.
1. Grip and Traction
Tyre tread helps channel water away from the contact surface, keeping your tyres gripping the road instead of sliding on top of it. As the tread wears down, your tyres lose this ability, increasing your chances of skidding or aquaplaning in wet weather.
2. Shorter Stopping Distances
The deeper the tread, the more effectively your tyres can grip when braking. Worn tyres can significantly increase stopping distances, especially in rain, snow, or icy conditions.
3. Fuel Efficiency
When tyres are under-inflated or have low tread, they cause more rolling resistance, meaning your engine works harder and uses more fuel. Keeping your tyres in good condition can actually save you money at the pump.
4. Safety and Legal Compliance
In the UK, the legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread. Anything below this not only reduces safety but can also lead to fines of up to £2,500 per tyre and three penalty points for each illegal tyre.
The Legal Minimum Tyre Tread Depth in the UK
UK law requires that every tyre fitted to a car, van, or light commercial vehicle has a tread depth of at least 1.6mm around the central three-quarters of the tyre’s width, and this must extend all the way around the tyre’s circumference.
Driving with tyres below the legal limit is classed as an offence. If you’re stopped and found with one or more tyres below 1.6mm, you could face:
- A fine of up to £2,500 per tyre
- Three penalty points per tyre
- A potential insurance void if involved in an accident
These aren’t small consequences, especially when a simple home check could keep you safe and avoid those risks entirely.
How to Check Tyre Tread Depth at Home
You don’t need to be a mechanic to check your tyres, just a few minutes, some light, and maybe a 20p coin. Below are the easiest methods to test your tyre tread depth right from your driveway.
The 20p Coin Test
This is the classic and simplest way to check your tread depth without any tools.
- Take a standard 20p coin.
- Insert it into the tread groove of your tyre.
- If you can see the outer border of the coin’s raised edge (the band that runs around the coin), your tread is likely below 1.6mm, meaning your tyre needs replacing.
- If the outer rim is completely covered, you’re still above the legal limit.
It’s worth checking in multiple spots around each tyre, uneven wear can mean some parts are legal while others are not.
Using a Tyre Tread Depth Gauge
If you want a more accurate measurement, a tyre tread depth gauge is a small and inexpensive tool available at most car accessory shops or online.
Here’s how to use it:
- Place the gauge’s probe into a tread groove.
- Press the gauge flat against the tyre.
- Read the measurement, most gauges will show tread depth in millimetres.
Aim to replace tyres once the tread gets down to around 3mm, even though the legal limit is 1.6mm. Studies show braking distances increase sharply below 3mm, especially in wet conditions.
Checking for Uneven Tyre Wear
Tread depth should be fairly even across the whole tyre. If you notice:
- More wear on the inner or outer edges, it could indicate misalignment or incorrect tyre pressure.
- Cupping or patchy wear, it may be due to suspension issues or unbalanced wheels.
- Smooth areas or bulges, this could mean structural damage and should be checked by a professional immediately.
Uneven wear doesn’t just reduce safety, it can also shorten tyre life and increase fuel costs.
How Often Should You Check Your Tyres?
Make it a habit to check your tyres once a month and before any long journeys. You don’t have to make it a chore, just do it when you’re washing the car or refuelling.
Regular checks mean you can catch slow punctures, alignment problems, or low tread before they turn into bigger issues.
When to Replace Your Tyres
Even if your tread depth hasn’t hit the legal limit yet, it’s often worth replacing tyres early for better performance and peace of mind.
Replace Your Tyres If You Notice:
- Tread depth is 3mm or less
- Visible cracks or bulges in the sidewall
- Vibration while driving, even after balancing
- Cuts, embedded nails, or debris in the tread
- Signs of ageing, typically after 5–6 years
Fresh tyres provide improved grip, comfort, and braking response, especially in wet or cold weather.
Can You Drive with Low Tyre Tread Depth?
Technically, yes, until it dips below 1.6mm, it’s legal. But here’s why you shouldn’t push your luck.
Low tread depth means:
- Reduced grip, especially in rain or icy conditions
- Longer braking distances
- Higher risk of aquaplaning
- Worse fuel efficiency
Research from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) found that tyres below 3mm can increase stopping distances by up to 44% in wet conditions.
And if you’re ever involved in an accident and your tyres are under the legal limit, your insurance could refuse to pay out, even if the tread depth wasn’t directly responsible for the crash.
Prefer a Professional Check? Visit Wheelbase Garage in Burgess Hill
If you’d rather have your tyres checked by the experts, head down to Wheelbase Garage in Burgess Hill.
Our technicians can quickly assess your tyre tread depth, condition, and pressure, ensuring everything meets UK road safety standards. We stock and fit a range of tyres for all makes and models, whether you need a single replacement or a full set.
You’ll find us conveniently located in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, serving drivers from across the area. Drop by for a quick inspection, or book in advance to save time.
We’ll make sure your tyres are road-legal, efficient, and safe, giving you complete confidence behind the wheel.
How to Keep Your Tyres in Top Condition
A few simple habits can help your tyres last longer and perform better:
- Check your pressure monthly: Under-inflated tyres wear out faster and increase fuel use.
- Rotate your tyres: Swap front and rear tyres every 6,000–8,000 miles to even out wear.
- Avoid kerb impacts: Hitting kerbs can damage the sidewall or knock your wheels out of alignment.
- Drive smoothly: Hard acceleration or heavy braking wears tyres quicker.
Taking care of your tyres doesn’t have to be complicated, just consistent.
Final Thoughts
Checking your tyre tread depth at home is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your car safe, efficient, and legal. Whether you use the 20p coin test or a gauge, it only takes a few minutes and could save you from fines, breakdowns, or worse, an accident.
Remember, the legal limit is 1.6mm, but experts recommend changing tyres around 3mm for optimal safety.
And if you’d rather let a professional take a look, the team at Wheelbase Garage in Burgess Hill is always happy to help. We’ll check your tyre tread depth, fit new tyres if needed, and make sure your car’s ready for the road, whatever the weather.