What's the Legal Minimum Depth of Tread for Car Tyres?
In the UK, this year of 2022, more than 77% of households own a vehicle - may it be a car, motorcycle, or a truck. Vehicles in the UK are used in all types of transportation, including business, going to school, and work. So, it is crucial to know the minimum legal depth of tread based on the regulations.
As you may know, tyre tread is intended to guarantee that tyres get a solid hold on the road surface they are travelling on. A solid grip improves road hold, driver handling, and susceptibility to aquaplaning - all that contribute to increased safety for the driver and the passengers as well.
Deep tread is especially crucial when travelling in wet weather because worn-out tread can significantly impact traction and handling characteristics. So, in case you're wondering about the minimum legal depth of tread for your car tyres, you're in the right article.
Need help with your theory questions? What's the minimum depth, then?
- For Cars
The minimum authorised tread depth for automobile tires is 1.6 millimeters (mm) in the center third of the tread circumference across the whole tyre. Anything less than 1.6mm diminishes grip on the road. Meaning it can be unsafe for everyone inside the vehicle.
Hence, 1.6mm is the minimum recommended grip. A tyre accompanied by a basic minimum standard of 1.6mm traction may take 36.8% longer for a complete. That's a longer stop than a tyre accompanied by a maximum legal tread depth of 3mm.
- For Motorcycles
The motorcycles can drive a lesser tread depth than cars as it has a legal minimum of 1 mm (measured in the wheel's circumference). That's because motorcycles are smaller in size and weight than cars. Another factor is that motorcycles are easier to control than cars on the road.
The Federal and State Regulations regarding motorcycles declared that they should have a tread depth of 1/32" to 2/32". It is the safest and most comfortable depth for a motorcycle tyre. That's why the law prohibits it. However, driving motorcycles with lesser tread depth than the legal measurement is deemed unsafe and illegal.
- For Trucks
When a truck exceeds the gross weight of 3.5 tons, the legal minimum tread depth is varying and slightly different. Based on the regulation, you should at least have a 1.0mm depth tread in your band running circumferentially the central three-quarters of a traction width and the whole circle of the tyre to comply with the regulations.
That measurement is authorised upon examining the probable weight and size of the truck. It also considers the traction of the wheels on the road while balancing its capacity to load. You may say that cars and trucks are different in tread depth, considering their characteristics.
Summary
In this article, you learned about the minimum legal depth of tread for car, motorcycle, and truck tyres, specifically in the UK this year of 2022. Tread depth impacts more than just the security of your tyres.
Some insurance plans may become void if your wheels are determined to be prohibited. That's because it can be the main reason for the crash.
This year (2022), driving in any vehicle with even just a little less than the required tread depth will result in three points being assessed against your licence.