What Is The Minimum Tread Depth For Trailer Tyres?
You probably already know that Protyre garages stock a huge range of tyres, including premium brands, such as Pirelli and Michelin. And we also undertake MOTs and vehicle servicing too, giving our customers everything they need to ensure their vehicles are safe and roadworthy.
But have you ever stopped to consider the tyres on your trailer? It’s probably not something that really crosses your mind, since trailers are rarely used. Owners make the assumption that their trailer tyres will last almost indefinitely, since they’re highly unlikely to cover the same mileage as your vehicles.
What is the minimum tread depth for trailer tyres?
According to UK law, all tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm, whether they’re fitted to your vehicle or to a trailer. This depth of tread must extend through at least three-quarters of the central part of the tyre, and failure to comply can have far-reaching consequences.
If you’re stopped by the police and found to have less than 1.6mm of tread left on one or more tyres you could be fined up to £2,500. You’ll also receive 3 points on your licence for every tyre that fails to meet the legal requirement, so it’s perfectly possible to lose your licence if all four tyres are found to be illegal.
Most of us know to check our vehicle tyres from time to time, to ensure that they’re well within legal limits. But because trailers are only used intermittently, it’s easy to forget about checking their tyres too, meaning that you could be unwittingly driving around with illegal tyres.
How to check your trailer tyre tread depth
Many tyre manufacturers these days include Tread Wear Indicators in the tyre tread grooves, which only become visible when the tyre is worn down to a depth of 1.6mm. But although this can be a useful guide, it’s not something which you should rely on.
There’s a quick and easy way to check that your tyres have sufficient depth of tread yourself. Simply slot a 20 pence coin vertically into the grooves between the tread and if you can’t see any of the raised edge that surrounds the coin, your tyres are still legal. If any of the border of the coin is visible, it’s time to visit your nearest Protyre garage and have replacement tyres fitted.
It’s also worth bearing in mind, that although 1.6mm is the legal minimum tyre tread depth for all vehicle tyres, including trailers, a minimum of 3mm is recommended, as this ensures the safest driving - and towing - experience across all road and weather conditions. Below this level, handling can be compromised.
Book a free tyre check
Book an appointment at your nearest Protyre garage and one of our tyre professionals will examine your trailer tyres, completely free of charge. We’ll check for any signs of wear or damage and make sure that you’re using the correct tyres for your purposes. It won’t cost you a penny and it’s guaranteed to give you peace of mind that your tyres are safe and completely roadworthy. If we spot any problems or concerns, we’ll talk them through with you, explaining all your options.