Tyre safety and the law

When it comes to cars, tyres are definitely one of those components that you should never compromise on. The tyres are often one of the most if not the most important safety aspect of the car and not only that, but can cost you a large fine and even your license if you are caught driving on illegal tyres. The law in the UK demands that there must be at least 1.6mm of tread in a continuous band around the centre three quarters of the tyre it to be classed as legal, anything below this could result in a fine and three points per tyre being issued to you. These are the absolute minimum of tread that the law stats is legal and anything on or below this should be replaced immediately. Although this is the law, most garages will recommend that your tyres be changed at 3mm. People often assume that this is only due to the fact that they want to make more sales, but research has shown that braking distances are drastically affected at 1.6mm compared to 3mm.

Within the tread of your tyre there will be a wear indicator which if level with the rest of your tread shows that the tyre is or very soon to become illegal.