Measuring your Tyre Tread Depth

Method 1: Booking into Car Tech for a free Tyre Check

Simply book your free tyre check by entering in your reg below, selecting “free tyre check” and complete booking for a date convenient for you.

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Method 2: Using the Car Tech Tyre Check Card

Cartech Tread Check Card Combined (1) - CarTech

Enter the corner of the card into the tread of your tyre.

  1. If can see red replace the tyre
  2. If you can see amber then replace soon
  3. If you see Green your tyre is in good condition

Tyre Tread Checking Card Instructions - CarTech

Method 3: Using the 20p Coin Test

20p Tread Checking - CarTech

This is a quick and easy way to get an approximate measurement, but it’s not as accurate as using a gauge. Here’s how to do it:
Locate the outer band of a 20p coin: This is the raised ring around the edge of the coin.

Insert the coin upside down into a tread groove: Push the coin in as far as it will go.

Check if the outer band of the coin is visible: If you can see the outer band, your tyre tread is likely below the legal limit of 1.6mm in the UK (2mm in most European countries) and your tyres need replacing. If the outer band is hidden, your tyres are likely above the legal limit.

Method 4: Using a Tread Depth Gauge

Tyre Tread Checking - CarTech

This is the most accurate and reliable method. You can purchase a tread depth gauge from most auto parts stores or online retailers.

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Locate the tread depth indicators: These are small raised bars located on the bottom of the tyre grooves. They are typically positioned at regular intervals around the circumference of the tyre.
  2. Insert the gauge probe: Place the probe into a tread groove between two tread depth indicators. Make sure the probe is resting flat on the bottom of the groove.
  3. Push down on the gauge: This will extend the probe to measure the distance between the top of the tread and the bottom of the groove.
  4. Read the measurement: The gauge will display the tread depth in millimeters.

Important points to remember

Measure tread depth in multiple places: Don’t just measure one spot on each tyre. Take measurements across the central three-quarters of the tread width and around the entire circumference of the tyre.

Replace tyres when they reach the legal limit: Even if your tyres have tread remaining above the legal minimum, they may still need replacing if they are worn unevenly, cracked, or damaged.

Visually inspect your tyres: Look for any signs of wear, damage, or cuts or book your free tyre check now using the form above.

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Leighton Buzzard, Woburn, Houghton Regis and all the connecting towns and villages

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