Winter tyres- tread depth minimum

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Mon 7 Nov 2005 02:01
Winter tyres- tread depth minimum - henry k
I noticed that there is a 4mm tread depth minimum as stated below.
Seem logical to me but I was unaware of this to date.

www.bridgestone.co.uk/
When is a tyre considered to be worn out?

In Europe, the legal requirement is that the tread grooves retain a certain minimum depth, when measured at any Tread Wear Indicator (TWI), located around the circumference of the tyre. For summer tyres, the figure is 1.6 mm, while for winter models it is 4 mm.

It may nevertheless be advisable to change a tyre at an earlier stage if there is a discernible loss of grip or deterioration in handling performance ? or if you are driving regularly at high speeds, under extreme weather conditions or over hazardous terrain.

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Mon 7 Nov 2005 20:22
Winter tyres- tread depth minimum - Ruperts Trooper
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm.

There is a recommended minimum (different to a legal minimum) of 3mm for "summer" tyres, ie common UK fitment.

It would seem entirely reasonable to me that "winter" tyres should have more tread depth than "summer" tyres.

It's generally down to the individual to determine when tyres are "worn out". In days gone by when I had lease cars I used to find it impossible to get new tyres until the old ones were down to 1.6mm.

I now change at 2.5mm which I regard as a reasonable compromise between cost and safety.
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