How much tread does a new tyre have?
New car tyres generally start with a tread depth between 7-9mm, but this can vary depending on the brand, model and whether the tyre was designed for summer, winter or all-seaon use. As your tyres start to wear, this depth gradually reduces which affects braking distances, fuel efficiency and grip on the road, especially in wet conditions.
The 20p test: how to measure with a coin
A quick and easy way to see if your tyre tread exceeds the minimum legal tread depth is to take the 20p test. Here is a step by step guide:
- Clean any stones or debris away from the tread
- Insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves – (These are the deepest and most continuous grooves in the tyre)
- Check whether the outer band of the coin is visible
- Repeat across several points on each tyre
If the outer band of the 20p coin is obscured when it is inserted, then your tread is above the legal limit. If the outer band of the coin is visible, then your tyres may be illegal and unsafe and should be checked immediately by a qualified tyre professional.
Top tip: When carrying out the test, remember to check at least three locations around each tyre. As the test is so quick and easy, stay safe by checking your tyres at least once a month or before any long journey.
How to check tyres for MOT
Along with checking your vehicle tyre pressure, checking your tyre tread and doing the 20p coin test ahead of your next MOT is also a great way to help ensure your vehicle will pass first time and avoid a fail. If you can see the outer rim of the 20p coin when performing the test, you should replace your tyres before your MOT to stay safe and compliant. Regular tyre tread checks can not only help ensure you pass your MOT first time, but also help keep your overall car maintenance costs down by allowing you to choose a garage when you need to replace your tyres that falls within your price bracket.
