A recent survey conducted by Halfords Autocentres of 20,000 motorists found that almost a third of motorists (32 per cent) believed that kicking tyres is an adequate test to see if they are properly inflated or not. What is more concerning is that almost two-in-five motorists (40%) have no idea what the minimum legal tyre tread depth is.
So the question is are you a tyre kicker? If so here’s a few reasons why you may want to check your tyres a little better in the future:
1. Low tread affects braking
Worn tyres and smaller tread depth can reduce braking and steering ability, especially in unpredictable weather and wet driving conditions. In fact an extra couple of millimetres’ tread depth can mean up to eight metres of stopping distance in wet weather.
2. Increased risk of aquaplaning
Tyres with a low tread depth also increase the risk of aquaplaning. If you don’t know what aquaplaning is, it occurs when a layer of water builds between the road surface and the wheels of a vehicle. This causes a loss of traction that prevents effective braking and limits handling. Not only is it a scary experience but it can lead to you having an accident.
3. It is a legal requirement
If you’re found to be driving with less than this legal minimum, you risk being fined up to £2,500 and getting three penalty points on your licence. This is per tyre too, meaning that if all four of your tyres fail this test, you could theoretically face a fine of £10,000 and 12 penalty points.
What should the tread on your tyres be?
The legal limit for minimum depth of the tread on your tyres is 1.6 millimetres, across the central ¾ of the tread around the complete circumference of the tyre. For safety reasons it is recommended that you replace your tyres before the legal limit is reached. Many vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing at 3 millimetres.