How to Check Your Tyre Tread Depth (And Why It Matters)
Your tyre tread is what keeps your car gripping the road, especially in wet or icy conditions. Worn tread doesn't just risk a fine — it can seriously affect your braking distance and control. Here's how to check it in under a minute.
The UK Legal Minimum
In the UK, tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference. Anything below this is illegal and unsafe.
The 20p Test
You don't need special tools — just a 20 pence coin:
Insert the coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre.
Check a few different points around the tyre, not just one spot.
If the outer band of the coin is visible, your tread is likely below the legal limit and needs attention.
If the band is covered, your tread is likely fine — but check again in a few months.
Why It Matters More Than People Think
Worn tyres significantly increase stopping distances, especially in the rain. Studies consistently show a tyre near the legal minimum can take several metres longer to stop than a new one at motorway speeds — the difference between stopping safely and a collision.
What to Do If Your Tyres Fail the Test
If the 20p test shows you're close to or below the legal limit, don't wait for an MOT to catch it. We offer mobile tyre fitting at your home, workplace, or roadside — no need to book into a garage. Learn more about our mobile tyre fitting service →
If you've also noticed a puncture alongside worn tread, check whether it's repairable first. See our puncture repair service →
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