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| Boilerpipe Text | How to Check Your Tyre Tread Depth
Last updated:
January 13, 2026
In this guide we’ll show you how to check tyre tread and explain why it’s important, keeping you safe and legal on the road.
Whether you drive a
car
,
caravan
,
motorbike
or
truck
, proper tyre tread depth is essential for road safety – especially in adverse conditions.
Driving in the rain with worn tyres can heighten your risk of accidents.
Braking distances
and the risk of aquaplaning increase significantly under these conditions.
In this guide, we’ll explain
what tyre tread depth is, how to measure it, when to check your tyres
, and
what the legal minimum tread depth
for car tyres is in the UK.
Tyre tread depth summary
Here’s a quick overview of the key points about tyre tread depth and safety:
The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres is
1.6mm
Tyre and safety experts recommend replacing tyres at
3mm
Use the
20p test
or a
tread depth gauge
to measure tyre tread
Check tyres monthly or before long trips
Driving with worn tyres increases your risk of accidents and fines
What is “tread depth?”
“Tyre tread”
is the patterned part of the tyre that comes in contact with the road surface.It is made up of
ribs, grooves, blocks and sipes
which work to improve the tyre’s performance. Patterns and performance goals vary among manufacturers. But the primary function of the tread is to keep the tyre in contact with the road in wet weather by effectively displacing water.
What is “tread depth?”
Tread depth
measures how deep the grooves in your tyre are. These grooves are essential because they:
Keep your tyres gripping the road
, even in wet or slippery conditions
Channel water away
to reduce the risk of aquaplaning
Help your car brake, steer
, and
accelerate
safely
The deeper the tyre tread, the more water it can clear from the road surface and the better its grip. As the tread wears down or water depth increases, grip is reduced. Drivers should take this into account and lower their speed in wet conditions.
Why is tread depth important?
Regularly
checking tread depth
is crucial because driving with worn tyres is
dangerous and illegal
.
Without enough tread, tyres may not be able to grip the road properly, especially in wet conditions. The grooves help to remove water from between the tyre and the road, allowing your car to brake, steer, and accelerate safely. As such, driving with a low tread depth can increase your risk of accidents. In tests carried out by
MIRA
, cars with 1.6mm tread had up to 44% longer braking distances in the wet than those with 3mm. It is therefore advisable to consider replacing your tyres well before they reach the legal tyre tread limit.
Plus, driving with tyres below the legal minimum tread depth can lead to
fines
of up to £2,500 and three
penalty points
PER tyre. Ideally, you should
check your tyres
every month.
How to measure tyre tread depth
The easiest way to check that your car tyre tread is above the minimum legal standard is to complete the
20p test
by inserting a 20p into the tread grooves on the tyre.
If you can’t see the coin’s outer band, your tyres are above the legal limit. You can also use a tyre tread gauge, which is designed to measure individual tyre grooves.
Other methods include using a tread depth gauge or built in tread wear indicators.
Method
How it works
Pros
Best for…
20p test
Insert a 20p coin into tread grooves
Quick, no tools needed
Quick monthly checks
Tread depth gauge
Measures individual grooves in mm
Accurate measurement
Precise checking
Built-in tread wear indicators
Raised bars in grooves show wear
Very easy to spot
Spotting worn tyres
Legal tyre tread depth limit in the UK
The
legal tread depth minimum
for cars, light vans and light trailers in the UK is
1.6mm
.
The legal tread depth minimum for motorcycles, large vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles in the UK is
1mm
.
Your tyre should meet the legal minimum tread depth across three quarters of the centre of the tyre around its complete circumference.
What is the tyre tread minimum recommended by experts?
While the legal limit is 1.6mm, experts actually recommend that you have your tyres replaced sooner. You should have your tyre replaced once it reaches
2mm
and the minimum tread depth commonly advised by tyre and safety experts is
3mm
.
Waiting until the last minute to replace your tyre can prove risky as a significant amount of tread can be worn in just one emergency manoeuvre.
Did you know that the difference between illegal and borderline is just
0.4mm
– that’s half the thickness of a bank card!
When should you check your tyres tread depth?
You should check your tyres at least once a month and before any long journeys.
Tread depth and aquaplaning
When driving on roads with significant standing water, vehicles can be vulnerable to
‘
aquaplaning
’
.
Aquaplaning occurs when the water cannot be removed from between the tyre and the road. This causes the vehicle to lose all contact with the road, which effectively leaves the vehicle out of control. The risk of aquaplaning increases as a tyre’s tread depth is reduced as there is insufficient tread to clear the water properly from the road surface.
Lack of contact with the road means you are unable to accelerate or steer effectively, greatly increasing your risk of being involved in an accident.
It is also unsafe to try to brake when aquaplaning as contact with the road may be regained in an unpredictable manner, causing the vehicle to spin uncontrollably.
To reduce your risk of aquaplaning, it’s important to check your tyre tread and
tyre pressure
regularly.
Tyre Tread FAQs
Read the answers to commonly asked
FAQs
including how to check tyre tread and the impact of wet conditions on roads.
The legal minimum tread depth of cars in the UK is 1.6mm across a continuous band comprising the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and its entire circumference.
The easiest way to check that your car tyre tread is above the minimum legal standard is to complete the
20p test
by inserting a 20p into the tread grooves on the tyre.
If you can’t see the coin’s outer band, your tyres are above the legal limit.
You can also use a tyre tread gauge, which is designed to measure individual tyre grooves.
Tyre treads are designed to give good grip on wet roads but in general wet grip decreases as the tyre tread depth approaches the legal minimum.
Motorists should take this into consideration and
reduce speed
when driving in wet conditions.
For the same reason, motorists may wish to consider replacing tyres before reaching the tyre tread limit.
New tyres generally have a tread depth of between 7-9 mm. But this will vary depending on the tyre brand, model and whether the tyre was designed for summer,
winter
or all-seaon use.
Generally, tyres with 3mm of tread depth may last between 10,000 and 20,000 miles. Actual lifespan can vary widely depending on factors like driving style, tyre type, road surface, and maintenance. Manufacturors do not provide mileage predictions for tread depth for this reason. It is recommended that tyres with 3mm tread depth are replaced as quickly as possible.
It is recommended that you change your tyre before it reaches this point but tyres with 2mm of tread depth may last
~1000 miles.
Actual lifespan will vary widely depending driving style, tyre type, road surface, and maintenance. Manufacturors do not provide mileage predictions for tread depth for this reason.
There isn’t one! Both
aquaplaning and hydroplaning
refer to what happens when water builds up in front of your tyres and prevents them from making contact with the road. These terms are just synonyms of the same phenomenon.
Many
winter tyres
come with a deeper tread depth when new. Designed with specialised tread patterns and compounds, winter tyres are the safest option from October to March, when temperatures drop, and conditions become challenging. The minimum tread depth recommended for winter tyres is
4mm
.
Tyres with 5mm of tread depth may last anywhere between 20,000 and 25,000 miles, but actual lifespan can vary widely depending on factors like driving style, tyre type, road surface, and maintenance. Manufacturors do not provide mileage predictions for tread depth for this reason. |
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# How to Check Your Tyre Tread Depth
[Home](https://www.tyresafe.org/) \» [Simple Tyre Checks](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/) \» Checking Tyre Tread Depth
**Last updated:** January 13, 2026
In this guide we’ll show you how to check tyre tread and explain why it’s important, keeping you safe and legal on the road.
Whether you drive a [car](https://www.tyresafe.org/vehicle-owners/car-tyre-safety/), [caravan](https://www.tyresafe.org/resources/tyre-safety-resources/videos/caravan-tyre-safety), [motorbike](https://www.tyresafe.org/vehicle-owners/motorbike-tyre-safety/) or [truck](https://www.tyresafe.org/vehicle-owners/hgv-tyre-safety/), proper tyre tread depth is essential for road safety – especially in adverse conditions.
Driving in the rain with worn tyres can heighten your risk of accidents. [Braking distances](https://www.tyresafe.org/resources/tyre-safety-infographics/) and the risk of aquaplaning increase significantly under these conditions.
In this guide, we’ll explain **what tyre tread depth is, how to measure it, when to check your tyres**, and **what the legal minimum tread depth** for car tyres is in the UK.
## Tyre tread depth summary
Here’s a quick overview of the key points about tyre tread depth and safety:
- The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres is **1\.6mm**
- Tyre and safety experts recommend replacing tyres at **3mm**
- Use the **20p test** or a **tread depth gauge** to measure tyre tread
- Check tyres monthly or before long trips
- Driving with worn tyres increases your risk of accidents and fines
## What is “tread depth?”
**“Tyre tread”** is the patterned part of the tyre that comes in contact with the road surface.It is made up of [ribs, grooves, blocks and sipes](https://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-advice/how-are-tyres-made/) which work to improve the tyre’s performance. Patterns and performance goals vary among manufacturers. But the primary function of the tread is to keep the tyre in contact with the road in wet weather by effectively displacing water.
## What is “tread depth?”
**Tread depth** measures how deep the grooves in your tyre are. These grooves are essential because they:
- **Keep your tyres gripping the road**, even in wet or slippery conditions
- **Channel water away** to reduce the risk of aquaplaning
- **Help your car brake, steer**, and **accelerate** safely
The deeper the tyre tread, the more water it can clear from the road surface and the better its grip. As the tread wears down or water depth increases, grip is reduced. Drivers should take this into account and lower their speed in wet conditions.
## Why is tread depth important?
Regularly [checking tread depth](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/tread-depth/20p-test/) is crucial because driving with worn tyres is **dangerous and illegal**.
Without enough tread, tyres may not be able to grip the road properly, especially in wet conditions. The grooves help to remove water from between the tyre and the road, allowing your car to brake, steer, and accelerate safely. As such, driving with a low tread depth can increase your risk of accidents. In tests carried out by [MIRA](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/checking-tyre-tread/#:~:text=Tests%20by%20UK%20technical%20organisation,be%20as%20much%20as%2044%25.) , cars with 1.6mm tread had up to 44% longer braking distances in the wet than those with 3mm. It is therefore advisable to consider replacing your tyres well before they reach the legal tyre tread limit.
Plus, driving with tyres below the legal minimum tread depth can lead to **fines** of up to £2,500 and three **penalty points** PER tyre. Ideally, you should [check your tyres](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/) every month.
## How to measure tyre tread depth
The easiest way to check that your car tyre tread is above the minimum legal standard is to complete the [20p test](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/tread-depth/20p-test/) by inserting a 20p into the tread grooves on the tyre.
If you can’t see the coin’s outer band, your tyres are above the legal limit. You can also use a tyre tread gauge, which is designed to measure individual tyre grooves.
Other methods include using a tread depth gauge or built in tread wear indicators.
| Method | How it works | Pros | Best for… |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20p test | Insert a 20p coin into tread grooves | Quick, no tools needed | Quick monthly checks |
| Tread depth gauge | Measures individual grooves in mm | Accurate measurement | Precise checking |
| Built-in tread wear indicators | Raised bars in grooves show wear | Very easy to spot | Spotting worn tyres |
## Legal tyre tread depth limit in the UK
The **legal tread depth minimum** for cars, light vans and light trailers in the UK is [1\.6mm](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/annex-6-vehicle-maintenance-safety-and-security).
The legal tread depth minimum for motorcycles, large vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles in the UK is [1mm](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/annex-6-vehicle-maintenance-safety-and-security).
Your tyre should meet the legal minimum tread depth across three quarters of the centre of the tyre around its complete circumference.
## What is the tyre tread minimum recommended by experts?
While the legal limit is 1.6mm, experts actually recommend that you have your tyres replaced sooner. You should have your tyre replaced once it reaches **2mm** and the minimum tread depth commonly advised by tyre and safety experts is **3mm**.
Waiting until the last minute to replace your tyre can prove risky as a significant amount of tread can be worn in just one emergency manoeuvre.
*Did you know that the difference between illegal and borderline is just [0\.4mm](https://www.tyresafe.org/resources/tyre-safety-infographics/) – that’s half the thickness of a bank card\!*
## When should you check your tyres tread depth?
You should check your tyres at least once a month and before any long journeys.
## Tread depth and aquaplaning
When driving on roads with significant standing water, vehicles can be vulnerable to **‘[aquaplaning](https://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-advice/pressure/aquaplaning-hydroplaning/)’**.
Aquaplaning occurs when the water cannot be removed from between the tyre and the road. This causes the vehicle to lose all contact with the road, which effectively leaves the vehicle out of control. The risk of aquaplaning increases as a tyre’s tread depth is reduced as there is insufficient tread to clear the water properly from the road surface.
Lack of contact with the road means you are unable to accelerate or steer effectively, greatly increasing your risk of being involved in an accident.
It is also unsafe to try to brake when aquaplaning as contact with the road may be regained in an unpredictable manner, causing the vehicle to spin uncontrollably.
To reduce your risk of aquaplaning, it’s important to check your tyre tread and [tyre pressure](https://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-advice/pressure/) regularly.
## Tyre Tread FAQs
Read the answers to commonly asked [FAQs](https://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-advice/tyre-faqs/) including how to check tyre tread and the impact of wet conditions on roads.
[What is the legal minimum tread depth in the UK?](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/tread-depth/#what-is-the-legal-minimum-tread-depth-in-the-uk)
The legal minimum tread depth of cars in the UK is 1.6mm across a continuous band comprising the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and its entire circumference.
[How to measure tyre tread depth?](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/tread-depth/#how-to-measure-tyre-tread-depth)
The easiest way to check that your car tyre tread is above the minimum legal standard is to complete the [20p test](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/tread-depth/20p-test/) by inserting a 20p into the tread grooves on the tyre.
If you can’t see the coin’s outer band, your tyres are above the legal limit.
You can also use a tyre tread gauge, which is designed to measure individual tyre grooves.
[How do wet conditions or roads affect tyre grip?](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/tread-depth/#how-do-wet-conditions-or-roads-affect-tyre-grip)
Tyre treads are designed to give good grip on wet roads but in general wet grip decreases as the tyre tread depth approaches the legal minimum.
Motorists should take this into consideration and [reduce speed](https://www.tyresafe.org/about-tyresafe/latest-news/tyresafe-urges-drivers-to-reduce-speed) when driving in wet conditions.
For the same reason, motorists may wish to consider replacing tyres before reaching the tyre tread limit.
[What is the tread depth of a new tyre?](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/tread-depth/#what-is-the-tread-depth-of-a-new-tyre)
New tyres generally have a tread depth of between 7-9 mm. But this will vary depending on the tyre brand, model and whether the tyre was designed for summer, [winter](https://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-advice/tyre-types/winter-tyre-safety/) or all-seaon use.
[How long will 3mm tyre tread last?](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/tread-depth/#how-long-will-3mm-tyre-tread-last)
Generally, tyres with 3mm of tread depth may last between 10,000 and 20,000 miles. Actual lifespan can vary widely depending on factors like driving style, tyre type, road surface, and maintenance. Manufacturors do not provide mileage predictions for tread depth for this reason. It is recommended that tyres with 3mm tread depth are replaced as quickly as possible.
[How long will 2mm tyre tread last?](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/tread-depth/#how-long-will-2mm-tyre-tread-last)
It is recommended that you change your tyre before it reaches this point but tyres with 2mm of tread depth may last [~1000 miles.](https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/legal/tyres#change-tyres) Actual lifespan will vary widely depending driving style, tyre type, road surface, and maintenance. Manufacturors do not provide mileage predictions for tread depth for this reason.
[Aquaplaning vs hydroplaning – what’s the difference?](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/tread-depth/#aquaplaning-vs-hydroplaning--whats-the-difference)
There isn’t one! Both [aquaplaning and hydroplaning](https://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-advice/pressure/aquaplaning-hydroplaning/) refer to what happens when water builds up in front of your tyres and prevents them from making contact with the road. These terms are just synonyms of the same phenomenon.
[Do winter tyres have a bigger tread?](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/tread-depth/#do-winter-tyres-have-a-bigger-tread)
Many [winter tyres](https://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-advice/tyre-types/winter-tyre-safety/) come with a deeper tread depth when new. Designed with specialised tread patterns and compounds, winter tyres are the safest option from October to March, when temperatures drop, and conditions become challenging. The minimum tread depth recommended for winter tyres is [4mm](https://www.protyre.co.uk/car-help-advice/tyre-care/winter-tyres-in-the-uk-your-ultimate-guide).
[How long will 5mm tyre tread last?](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/tread-depth/#how-long-will-5mm-tyre-tread-last)
Tyres with 5mm of tread depth may last anywhere between 20,000 and 25,000 miles, but actual lifespan can vary widely depending on factors like driving style, tyre type, road surface, and maintenance. Manufacturors do not provide mileage predictions for tread depth for this reason.
[Checking Tyre Tread Depth In this guide we’ll show you how to check tyre tread and explain why it’s important, keeping you safe and legal on the road. ](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/tread-depth/)
[How to check your tyre tread depth with a 20p coin Your tyres are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, so ensuring that you check your tread depth regularly is vital for both driver safety and performance. Current UK law states that tyre tread on cars must be at a minimum of 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tread, around its entire circumference. ](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/tread-depth/20p-test/)
[Checking the Condition of your Tyres Your tyres are in constant contact with the road and as such they suffer a lot of wear and tear, even if you drive carefully. This is why it's vital that you keep an eye on the condition of your tyres to help extend tyre life and improve handling in all weather conditions. ](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/condition/)
[Keeping the Correct Tyre Pressure To stay safe on the road your car needs to have the correct tyre pressure and should be checked regularly. If your tyres are under or over inflated then handling and grip will worsen, potentially causing irregular or unpredictable vehicle behaviour. ](https://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-advice/pressure/)
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| Readable Markdown | How to Check Your Tyre Tread Depth
**Last updated:** January 13, 2026
In this guide we’ll show you how to check tyre tread and explain why it’s important, keeping you safe and legal on the road.
Whether you drive a [car](https://www.tyresafe.org/vehicle-owners/car-tyre-safety/), [caravan](https://www.tyresafe.org/resources/tyre-safety-resources/videos/caravan-tyre-safety), [motorbike](https://www.tyresafe.org/vehicle-owners/motorbike-tyre-safety/) or [truck](https://www.tyresafe.org/vehicle-owners/hgv-tyre-safety/), proper tyre tread depth is essential for road safety – especially in adverse conditions.
Driving in the rain with worn tyres can heighten your risk of accidents. [Braking distances](https://www.tyresafe.org/resources/tyre-safety-infographics/) and the risk of aquaplaning increase significantly under these conditions.
In this guide, we’ll explain **what tyre tread depth is, how to measure it, when to check your tyres**, and **what the legal minimum tread depth** for car tyres is in the UK.
## Tyre tread depth summary
Here’s a quick overview of the key points about tyre tread depth and safety:
- The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres is **1\.6mm**
- Tyre and safety experts recommend replacing tyres at **3mm**
- Use the **20p test** or a **tread depth gauge** to measure tyre tread
- Check tyres monthly or before long trips
- Driving with worn tyres increases your risk of accidents and fines
## What is “tread depth?”
**“Tyre tread”** is the patterned part of the tyre that comes in contact with the road surface.It is made up of [ribs, grooves, blocks and sipes](https://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-advice/how-are-tyres-made/) which work to improve the tyre’s performance. Patterns and performance goals vary among manufacturers. But the primary function of the tread is to keep the tyre in contact with the road in wet weather by effectively displacing water.
## What is “tread depth?”
**Tread depth** measures how deep the grooves in your tyre are. These grooves are essential because they:
- **Keep your tyres gripping the road**, even in wet or slippery conditions
- **Channel water away** to reduce the risk of aquaplaning
- **Help your car brake, steer**, and **accelerate** safely
The deeper the tyre tread, the more water it can clear from the road surface and the better its grip. As the tread wears down or water depth increases, grip is reduced. Drivers should take this into account and lower their speed in wet conditions.
## Why is tread depth important?
Regularly [checking tread depth](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/tread-depth/20p-test/) is crucial because driving with worn tyres is **dangerous and illegal**.
Without enough tread, tyres may not be able to grip the road properly, especially in wet conditions. The grooves help to remove water from between the tyre and the road, allowing your car to brake, steer, and accelerate safely. As such, driving with a low tread depth can increase your risk of accidents. In tests carried out by [MIRA](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/checking-tyre-tread/#:~:text=Tests%20by%20UK%20technical%20organisation,be%20as%20much%20as%2044%25.) , cars with 1.6mm tread had up to 44% longer braking distances in the wet than those with 3mm. It is therefore advisable to consider replacing your tyres well before they reach the legal tyre tread limit.
Plus, driving with tyres below the legal minimum tread depth can lead to **fines** of up to £2,500 and three **penalty points** PER tyre. Ideally, you should [check your tyres](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/) every month.
## How to measure tyre tread depth
The easiest way to check that your car tyre tread is above the minimum legal standard is to complete the [20p test](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/tread-depth/20p-test/) by inserting a 20p into the tread grooves on the tyre.
If you can’t see the coin’s outer band, your tyres are above the legal limit. You can also use a tyre tread gauge, which is designed to measure individual tyre grooves.
Other methods include using a tread depth gauge or built in tread wear indicators.
| Method | How it works | Pros | Best for… |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20p test | Insert a 20p coin into tread grooves | Quick, no tools needed | Quick monthly checks |
| Tread depth gauge | Measures individual grooves in mm | Accurate measurement | Precise checking |
| Built-in tread wear indicators | Raised bars in grooves show wear | Very easy to spot | Spotting worn tyres |
## Legal tyre tread depth limit in the UK
The **legal tread depth minimum** for cars, light vans and light trailers in the UK is [1\.6mm](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/annex-6-vehicle-maintenance-safety-and-security).
The legal tread depth minimum for motorcycles, large vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles in the UK is [1mm](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/annex-6-vehicle-maintenance-safety-and-security).
Your tyre should meet the legal minimum tread depth across three quarters of the centre of the tyre around its complete circumference.
## What is the tyre tread minimum recommended by experts?
While the legal limit is 1.6mm, experts actually recommend that you have your tyres replaced sooner. You should have your tyre replaced once it reaches **2mm** and the minimum tread depth commonly advised by tyre and safety experts is **3mm**.
Waiting until the last minute to replace your tyre can prove risky as a significant amount of tread can be worn in just one emergency manoeuvre.
*Did you know that the difference between illegal and borderline is just [0\.4mm](https://www.tyresafe.org/resources/tyre-safety-infographics/) – that’s half the thickness of a bank card\!*
## When should you check your tyres tread depth?
You should check your tyres at least once a month and before any long journeys.
## Tread depth and aquaplaning
When driving on roads with significant standing water, vehicles can be vulnerable to **‘[aquaplaning](https://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-advice/pressure/aquaplaning-hydroplaning/)’**.
Aquaplaning occurs when the water cannot be removed from between the tyre and the road. This causes the vehicle to lose all contact with the road, which effectively leaves the vehicle out of control. The risk of aquaplaning increases as a tyre’s tread depth is reduced as there is insufficient tread to clear the water properly from the road surface.
Lack of contact with the road means you are unable to accelerate or steer effectively, greatly increasing your risk of being involved in an accident.
It is also unsafe to try to brake when aquaplaning as contact with the road may be regained in an unpredictable manner, causing the vehicle to spin uncontrollably.
To reduce your risk of aquaplaning, it’s important to check your tyre tread and [tyre pressure](https://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-advice/pressure/) regularly.
## Tyre Tread FAQs
Read the answers to commonly asked [FAQs](https://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-advice/tyre-faqs/) including how to check tyre tread and the impact of wet conditions on roads.
The legal minimum tread depth of cars in the UK is 1.6mm across a continuous band comprising the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and its entire circumference.
The easiest way to check that your car tyre tread is above the minimum legal standard is to complete the [20p test](https://www.tyresafe.org/the-checks/tread-depth/20p-test/) by inserting a 20p into the tread grooves on the tyre.
If you can’t see the coin’s outer band, your tyres are above the legal limit.
You can also use a tyre tread gauge, which is designed to measure individual tyre grooves.
Tyre treads are designed to give good grip on wet roads but in general wet grip decreases as the tyre tread depth approaches the legal minimum.
Motorists should take this into consideration and [reduce speed](https://www.tyresafe.org/about-tyresafe/latest-news/tyresafe-urges-drivers-to-reduce-speed) when driving in wet conditions.
For the same reason, motorists may wish to consider replacing tyres before reaching the tyre tread limit.
New tyres generally have a tread depth of between 7-9 mm. But this will vary depending on the tyre brand, model and whether the tyre was designed for summer, [winter](https://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-advice/tyre-types/winter-tyre-safety/) or all-seaon use.
Generally, tyres with 3mm of tread depth may last between 10,000 and 20,000 miles. Actual lifespan can vary widely depending on factors like driving style, tyre type, road surface, and maintenance. Manufacturors do not provide mileage predictions for tread depth for this reason. It is recommended that tyres with 3mm tread depth are replaced as quickly as possible.
It is recommended that you change your tyre before it reaches this point but tyres with 2mm of tread depth may last [~1000 miles.](https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/legal/tyres#change-tyres) Actual lifespan will vary widely depending driving style, tyre type, road surface, and maintenance. Manufacturors do not provide mileage predictions for tread depth for this reason.
There isn’t one! Both [aquaplaning and hydroplaning](https://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-advice/pressure/aquaplaning-hydroplaning/) refer to what happens when water builds up in front of your tyres and prevents them from making contact with the road. These terms are just synonyms of the same phenomenon.
Many [winter tyres](https://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-advice/tyre-types/winter-tyre-safety/) come with a deeper tread depth when new. Designed with specialised tread patterns and compounds, winter tyres are the safest option from October to March, when temperatures drop, and conditions become challenging. The minimum tread depth recommended for winter tyres is [4mm](https://www.protyre.co.uk/car-help-advice/tyre-care/winter-tyres-in-the-uk-your-ultimate-guide).
Tyres with 5mm of tread depth may last anywhere between 20,000 and 25,000 miles, but actual lifespan can vary widely depending on factors like driving style, tyre type, road surface, and maintenance. Manufacturors do not provide mileage predictions for tread depth for this reason. |
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