HOW MUCH TREAD DEPTH DOES A SUMMER TYRE HAS?

A large-scale study by BOVAG showed that almost 90% of Dutch motorists do not know at which tread depth a car tyre needs to be replaced. The vast majority think that it is possible to drive longer than is permitted by law. Read here exactly how it works with the tread depth of a car tyre.

BEST SUMMER TYRE PROFILE

A car is a technically very complicated machine and costs many millions to develop. But the tyres are the determining factor in the contact between the car and the road surface. And that's why tyres are more important than many drivers realize. Tyre performance is strongly influenced by tread depth. Depending on the type, a new tyre has a tread depth between 7.0 and 8.5 mm. Commercial vehicle tyres even go up to 9.5 millimeters deep.

MEASURE SUMMER TYRE PROFILE

In the tread of the tyre there are wear indicators TWI (Tread Wear Indicator) which indicate the approaching wear limit. If the tread of the tyre is worn to the point that it is at the same level as the TWI, you know that the tyre needs to be replaced. During the APK, the tread depth of the tyre is measured over 75% of the tread width.

If a tyre on the shoulders is more worn, further investigation is necessary. Shoulder wear can be an indication of low tyre pressure or misalignment. A small degree of shoulder wear can therefore lead to dangerous situations.

The MOT prescribes a legal recommendation for tyre replacement if the tread depth of a summer tyre is less than 2.5 mm. With winter tyres, this is 4 millimeters. This is therefore an advice, for winter tyres there are no different MOT rules.

“To get the best possible performance from the tyres, it is recommended to change them every 7,500 to 10,000 kilometers from front to rear and vice versa.‘’

SUMMER TYRE PROFILE MOT

The legal minimum for the profile depth is 1.6 millimetres. This applies to all types of tyres, so both summer tyres and winter tyres and all-season tyres. If this minimum is exceeded, the tyre will be rejected for the MOT. You can also be fined if you are checked by the police.

READ NOW: WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER COMBINE SUMMER TYRES AND WINTER TYRES

It is not possible to determine the minimum tread depth below which the tyre will be dangerous to drive for each tyre type. In general, the wider the tyres, the greater the risk of aquaplaning and the risk of skidding with worn tyres.

To get the best possible return from the tyres, it is recommended to change them from front to rear and vice versa every 7,500 to 10,000 kilometres. This extends the life of the tyre and increases driving comfort.

Do not forget to adjust the tyre pressure to the new position of the tyres. The tyre pressure prescribed by the car manufacturer can differ for the front and rear axles. Incidentally, it is strongly advised not to change tyres crosswise, for example from left rear to right front.