In an ideal world, you should check the depth and tread pressure of your tire at least once every two weeks and at least once a month. Safe and correct walks are crucial, especially over long distances and on motorways. Book a free tire check More tread means more grip. Keep in mind that although the legal limit is 1.6mm, anything less than 3mm can seriously affect performance and safety. The 20p test is a simple, quick and easy way to check the tread pattern of your car`s wheels. Tire treads are designed to provide good grip on wet roads, but wet grip usually decreases as tread depth approaches the legal minimum. Motorists should take this into account and reduce speed when driving in the wet. For the same reason, motorists may consider replacing tires before the tread depth reaches the legal minimum. You can buy tread gauges to help you assess the depth of the tire`s tread, and you can also get basic color-coded tools that let you know at a glance whether a tire is legal or not.
Watch this helpful TyreSafe video for more information on tread depth. A violation of California`s tread depth law does not add a point to the person`s driving record. For non-motor vehicles, the tread depth must be at least 1/32 of an inch.3 However, driving with dangerous or defective tyres also carries the risk of a fine of up to £2,500 and three points on your driver`s licence. If you cannot see the outer strip on the part, your tires will be above the legal limit. In situations where your tires do not have sufficient tread depth to properly remove water from the road surface, the particularly dangerous phenomenon of aquaplaning can occur. During aquaplaning, your tires lose contact with the road surface and roll over the surface of the water. Without contact with the road, you cannot accelerate, brake or steer effectively, which greatly increases the risk of being involved in an accident. To reduce the risk of aquaplaning, regularly check the tread depth of your tire. See how aquaplaning can affect your safety. The difference in wet braking distance between a 3mm worn tyre and a 1.6mm worn tyre can be as much as 44%. Simply put, a deeper tread means they can work better and improve grip.
When it comes to safety, your tires are literally where rubber hits the road. To turn and brake safely, sufficient tread depth is required. The tread depth of the tire is a vertical measurement between the top of the tread and the lowest groove. In the United States, the tread depth of the tire is measured in 32 inches. When the tires are new, they have tread depths of 10/32 to 11/32. In California, the minimum tire tread depth is 1/32 inch on two adjacent grooves. For larger grooves, the minimum depth is 4/32 inch for the tires on the vehicle`s steered axle and 2/32 inch for all other tires. Driving on flatter tread tires can be booked under California Vehicle Code 27465(b) VC.
Tire treads are designed to provide good grip on wet roads, but this usually decreases as a tire`s tread wears out or water depth increases. The driver must take this into account and reduce his speed accordingly in wet conditions. That`s per tyre, so four illegal tyres could mean a £10,000 fine and 12 penalty points. Tire tread can affect the safety and performance of your vehicle while driving. While you may not think about your tread every time you drive, it`s important to check back from time to time to make sure your tires are in good condition. Are you ready to talk about tire tread depth? Let`s dive in. Remember: – Check the tread depth of all four tires – Check the interior, center and exterior tires. Without sufficient tread depth, your tires may not function properly in wet conditions, reducing your safety on the road. It is therefore advisable to consider replacing your tires well before they reach the legal minimum.
In addition, drivers whose tyres do not meet the minimum tread depth requirements face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre. Worn tires are especially dangerous in wet conditions, as a tire`s tread helps divert water from the contact surface between the tire and the road. Tread wear indicators (TWIs) are projections inside the tread grooves that are intended to give a visual indication of the degree of tread wear. These are the minimum depths of legal profile under California law. Getting new front tires so little tread is safer and can prevent an accident and possible grip. READ MORE: Should I buy winter tires? Advantages and disadvantages and costs explained This also applies per tyre. If all four tyres are worn below the legal limit, you risk losing your licence and facing a £10,000 fine. Worn tyres mean that the only contact surface between you and the road is beyond its peak. Tyre fitting and repair should only be carried out by a qualified tyre specialist who has the necessary equipment and expertise.