How to know when a tyre's tread has been worn out?

Why you need to check your tyre tread regularly A brand-new tyre has a tread depth of 8mm. Tyre patterns may vary according to the type and manufacturer, but those grooves and treads play a crucial part in keeping your vehicle safe on the road. They flex as they meet the road surface, providing grip and siphoning away surface water in wet conditions. The extra millimetres of tread make all the difference, at 70 mph your braking distance in the wet will double if your tyre tread is at the minimum depth of 1.6mm. The extra delay in stopping could easily spell disaster for you, your passengers and other road users.
 
It’s not just dangerous to drive with worn out tyre tread, it is also illegal and if your vehicle is involved in an accident it can completely invalidate your insurance. The penalties if you are stopped by the police are equally harsh, with each worn tyre costing you three penalty points on your license and a fine of up to £2,500.

Whether your vehicle is fitted with budget tyres or a premium brand, such as Pirelli, Bridgestone or Falken, they all need the same level of care and attention. Along with checking tyre pressures, make time to check their condition thoroughly at least once every two weeks, with a quick visual inspection every day.
 
You are looking for any signs of uneven wear, so make sure you inspect the entire visible surface of each tyre very thoroughly. This can sometimes highlight potential cause for concern, such as uneven wear around the shoulders, edges or centre of one or more tyres. Although it is reasonable to expect some degree of degradation across the entire tyre surface, areas that are particularly worn can indicate aggressive driving technique, incorrectly inflated tyres or the need for wheel tracking or alignment.

Although the legal requirement is a tread depth of at least 1.6mm, at Protyre our years of experience tell us that it’s safest to replace tyres once the level falls below 3mm. You can purchase a special tyre tread gauge to check or even use the edge of a 20p coin. With the 20p in the tread, if you can see any of the ‘shoulder’ of the coin then your tyres need replacing as a matter of urgency.
 
If you are still not sure, or you feel you need some specialist expertise, our tyre professionals are on hand to help. Book in for a free tyre check and we will inspect each of your tyres and make any necessary recommendations.

Choosing the Right Tyre Made Easy

When it comes to your car's safety and performance, tyres can play a huge role. That's why we've put together a collection of helpful articles to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tyres for your ride and maintaining your vehicle in general.

If you're looking for a smoother, more luxurious driving experience, premium car tyres might be the way to go. Or, if you want added security against flats, run flat car tyres could be your best bet. Trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres? We've got you covered there, too.

We also dive into the world of tyre brands, comparing top manufacturers like BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres.

But we don't just stop at helping you choose the right tyres – we also share tips on how to keep them in tip-top shape. From checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres properly inflated to extending their life through regular rotation and balancing, our articles have got you covered.

So, whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking to keep your vehicle safe and reliable, our car help and advice articles are here to help you make informed decisions about your tyres. Check them out and feel confident in your tyre choices!

If you are unsure about your load rating or which tyres to get, click the ‘Find My Protyre’ button below and speak with the team at your local Protyre centre. With their wealth of knowledge and years of experience, you can be certain you will receive high-quality advice from our friendly team. Or you can book a free tyre check at a time and date to suit you, where our tyre technicians will be able to carry out a range of safety checks on your tyres to help keep you safe on the road.