The Dreaded Tyre Tread Depth

Tyre treads are designed to give good grip on wet roads, but in general wet grip decreases as a tyre’s tread pattern wears down or as the depth of water increases. You as a driver should take this into consideration and reduce your speed accordingly in wet conditions.

The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm throughout a continuous band comprising the central three-quarters of breadth of the tread and around its entire outer circumference. In wet weather tyre tread grooves help to remove water from the contact patch between your tyres and the road surface meaning your car can brake, steer and accelerate properly.

Without adequate tread depth your tyres may not be able to perform properly in wet conditions, reducing your safety on the road. It is therefore advisable to consider replacing your tyres well before they reach the legal minimum. If your tyres fail to comply with the minimum tread depth requirements, you risk a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre!