Current tread depth legislation requires that car
tyres must have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread in a continuous band throughout
the central ¾ of the tread width and over the whole circumference
of the tyre.
To help drivers recognise when their tyres are nearing
the legal limit, tyres are manufactured with tread wear indicators
in the grooves (pictured left).
However, despite the law, it is universally recognised
in the tyre industry that the legal limit is wholly insufficient
to protect drivers in adverse driving conditions.
Drivers are therefore recommended to consider replacing their tyres
when the tread depth reaches 3mm.
