Is the legal tyre tread depth changing?

Question

My garage have informed me that I need new tyres. Fair enough. But to push me in my decision they told me that the legal limit for tyre tread depth is changing from 1.6 mm to 2mm in the next few months. Is this true? And will 0.4mm make a difference to car safety?

Answer 1

1.6 mm in UK, 2mm in Europe. At below 2mm tyre performance starts to drop off in the wet and many experts believe 1.6 is too low.

Answer 2

Still 1.6mm as far as I know, and nothing happening yet.However ROSPA, after conducting many tests would like to see it set at 3mm in line with EEC legislation.

.4 mm does not make real difference but looking at it from the other end 6mm taken from a new (8mm) tyre does make quite a bit of difference.

Overselling of tyres goes on a lot within the industry. While the garage was right to tell you they should be changed, it was wrong of them to lie to you.

Answer 3

Everything that I have read still shows it to be 1.6mm but you can contact them and ask.

For further press information please contact the TIC, either Chris Wakley on 020 7734 6363 or Ken Malcolm on 07787 572654

Answer 4

minimum 1mil on bikes

Answer 5

more profit pie

Answer 6

It sounds like the garage is having you on. Ask them to provide proof, they probably won't be able to give you any, and if they do it will probably only be a proposal not a change in the law.

On the other hand, if your tyre tread depth is approaching 1.6 mm you would be better off changing your tyres sooner rather than later. You never know, it might save your life (or your car!).

Answer 7

currently 1.6mm is the limit i have not read anywhere or even heard about a DEFINATE change in the law but the proposals being made are to change the tread to 3mm (1.4mm increase) to match the european average standards when and if this will happen is still yet undecided, until then your garage should not be pushing you to buy a product you dont need by law

Answer 8

most likely you will not get a ticket for this, i would hope the police have more to do than depth guage everyones tires. but state to state there are different tire tread depth laws.

as speed increases, traction decreases. it is always safer with better tires. but some new tread patterns that are designed for high mileage wear. dont have much traction .

Answer 9

Until it becomes law I wouldn't worry too much.

According to this article - they want to introduce a 3mm limit - not 2mm

If you're on a budget - enquire in the paper about tryes wanted - on wheel.

I just got 2 excellent ones for £20 each, as a lot of people buy cars, then fit alloy wheels - which use different tyres. - The result - there are a lot of "standard" wheels about with no home.

Answer 10

If your tread has worn down to 2mm they are already NOT safe.

I changed my tyres long before they get that bad.

If you are doing 70 in the rain you can lose it completely if you havent good new tyres.

Answer 11

i work in a garage that does MOTs. as far as we know the law is 1.6 mm and we have nothing to say it is changing.Are u sure it was not the garage's personal opinion that the law should be 2.0mm.