Maintaining the safety and roadworthiness of your vehicle is crucial for both you and other drivers on the road. One important aspect of vehicle maintenance is ensuring that your tyres are in good condition. One simple and easy way to check the condition of your tyres is by checking the tread depth.
How to Check Your Tyre Tread
You do not need any special equipment to check your tyre tread – all you need is a 20p piece. The legal minimum for a tyre tread in the UK is 1.6mm. To check the tread depth of your tyre, place the 20p piece into the main tread groove. If the inner rim of the 20p coin is not showing, it means that your tyre tread is above the legal limit and your tyres are in good condition.
The Importance of Adequate Tyre Tread
Having adequate tyre tread is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, having a good tyre tread will improve your braking performance in wet weather, reducing the chances of your car aquaplaning or skidding. Additionally, having a good tyre tread will improve your vehicle’s grip on the road, making it safer to drive in wet and slippery conditions.
On the other hand, if the inner rim of the 20p coin is showing, it means that your tyre tread may be below the legal limit and you may need to get new tyres for your vehicle. If you are stopped by the police and your tyres are found to be below the legal limit, you may be fined. Additionally, having tyres with low tread depth will also result in a longer stopping distance in wet weather and a greater chance of aquaplaning, as there will be less grip on the road.
Checking All Tyres
It is important to remember to check all of the tyres on your vehicle, not just the ones on the front or back. Additionally, don’t forget to check the spare tyre in the boot. When checking the tread, be sure to check the inner, middle and outer main grooves (which run in a straight line all the way around the tyre) not just the outside edge.
In Conclusion
Checking your tyre tread is a simple and easy task that can be done with just a 20p piece. By regularly checking your tyre tread, you can ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and that you are not in violation of any laws. Additionally, having adequate tyre tread will improve your vehicle’s braking performance and grip on the road, making it safer to drive in wet and slippery conditions.