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SERVICE OVERVIEW

Too many drivers don’t think about their tyres until they have to swerve or brake suddenly, or they have a flat—often with serious consequences. Tyres are often a factor in accidents, but many could be prevented just with proper tyre maintenance. You should check your tread depth often.

The legal tyre tread depth for cars in the UK and Europe is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, according to law. The tread must meet this minimum requirement across its complete circumference.

WHY CHOOSE US

Tyre and safety experts believe the 1.6mm legal minimum is insufficient to guarantee safety – most recommend a minimum tread depth of 3mm for tyre replacement. Tests by UK technical organisation MIRA found that, once tyres are below 3mm, stopping distances increase dramatically.

The difference in wet braking distance between a tyre worn to 3mm and one worn to 1.6mm can be as much as 44%.

Worn tyres are particularly dangerous in the wet because a tyre’s tread helps disperse water away from the contact patch between tyre and road. If there’s less tread depth, less water can be shifted, increasing the risk of aquaplaning and losing grip.

In heavy rain, each tyre can shift one gallon of water every second, illustrating just how hard tyres work. Simply put, deeper tread means they can work better, improving grip.

POPULAR QUESTIONS

  • How do I keep my tyres roadworthy?

    If you’re unsure of the legal tyre tread depth and would like to know how to quickly and easily check to ensure your tyres are road legal, then call us and we can let you know how well your tyres are coping.

  • How do I check my tyre tread depth?

    The 20p test is a simple, quick and easy way of checking the tyre tread of your wheels. Just take a 20p coin and insert it into the tread grooves on the tyre. If you can’t see the outer band on the coin, your tyres are above the legal limit.

    However, if you can see the band and that section of the coin is still visible, your tyres could be unsafe and require professional inspection by a us. We suggest drivers conduct the 20p test around every two weeks and before long journeys.

  • Checking tyre tread with tyre tread wear indicators

    If the tyre is flush with these, it is below the legal limit and needs replacing.

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