Tyre tread depth is not just a number — it is a matter of safety and law. In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference. Falling below this limit is illegal, dangerous, and can result in severe penalties.
If you are caught driving with a tyre below the legal limit, you face three penalty points on your licence and a fine of up to £2,500 per illegal tyre. That means four bald tyres could cost you £10,000 and twelve points — enough for a driving ban. It is simply not worth the risk.
While 1.6mm is the legal minimum, safety experts recommend replacing tyres when they reach 3mm. At 3mm tread depth, a tyre's wet braking performance drops significantly compared with when new. Below 2mm, aquaplaning risk rises sharply, particularly on flooded Dundee roads during heavy rain.
Checking your tread depth is easy and takes just a few seconds. The 20p test is a quick method: insert a 20p coin into the tread groove. If the outer band of the coin is visible, your tread is likely below 3mm and the tyre should be checked professionally. For a precise measurement, use a tread depth gauge, available cheaply from motor factors.
Uneven tread wear is another warning sign. If one side of the tyre is more worn than the other, your wheel alignment may be incorrect. If the centre is worn more than the edges, you may be over-inflating. If the edges are worn more than the centre, under-inflation is likely. Our mobile technicians check for all these signs during every fitting.
MOT testers are required to check tread depth carefully, and failure due to tyres is one of the most common MOT fails. Do not wait for your MOT to discover your tyres are illegal. Regular visual checks take seconds and can save you from penalties, accidents, and MOT stress.
If you are unsure about your tyre tread depth or condition, call Tayside Mobile Tyres for a free visual check. We will come to your location, inspect all four tyres, and give you honest advice on whether replacement is needed. No pressure, no charge for the inspection.
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