Tyres

Legal Tyre Tread Limits

Your tyres are a vital part of your vehicle's safety. In the UK, car tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its entire circumference.

Driving with an illegal tyre can result in a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre.

• Legal minimum tread depth: 1.6mm
• Recommended replacement point: around 3.0mm
• Typical new tyre tread depth: approximately 7–9mm, depending on the tyre

Although 1.6mm is the legal minimum, tyre performance in wet conditions reduces as the tread wears. For this reason, it is sensible to monitor tyres closely once they approach 3mm and consider replacement before reaching the legal limit.

Trident Honda Knows Tyres

Trident Honda can supply tyres from major manufacturers, including both premium and value brands.

Our tyre pricing is competitive and tyres are fitted by experienced vehicle technicians who can also check the general condition of your tyres and advise if replacement or repair is required.

Please call 01932 874411 or book online for a tyre repair, replacement or free tyre check.

Looking After Your Tyres

Regular tyre checks help keep your car safe, improve tyre life and can reduce the risk of an unexpected breakdown. It is worth checking your tyres at least once a month and before a long journey.

Check the tread depth

Tyre tread is particularly important in wet conditions because the grooves help clear water from between the tyre and the road.

The legal minimum for a car tyre is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread and around the entire circumference.

A simple initial check can be made using a 20p coin. Insert the coin into the main tread grooves at several points around the tyre. If the outer border of the coin is hidden by the tread, the tyre is likely to be above the legal minimum. If you can see the border, the tread should be measured properly.

Remember that tyres can wear unevenly, so check them in several places.

Check the tyre pressures

Correct tyre pressures are important for safe handling, tyre life and fuel efficiency.

Check pressures when the tyres are cold and use the pressures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. These can normally be found in the owner's manual or on a label inside the vehicle.

The recommended pressures may be different when carrying passengers, luggage or other heavy loads, so check the manufacturer's guidance before a heavily loaded or long journey.

Check the condition

Look over each tyre for:

• Cuts, cracks or splits
• Lumps or bulges
• Uneven or excessive wear
• Nails, screws or other embedded objects
• Damage to the sidewall

A lump or bulge can indicate internal tyre damage and should be inspected by a tyre professional.

If you notice persistent pressure loss, unusual wear or visible damage, have the tyre checked rather than continuing to drive on it.

Don't wait until your tyres are illegal

A tyre does not suddenly become unsafe when it reaches 1.6mm. Grip and wet-weather performance gradually deteriorate as the tread wears.

Regular checks allow you to plan tyre replacement before reaching the legal minimum and reduce the likelihood of discovering a problem immediately before a journey.

If you are unsure about the condition of your tyres, Trident Honda will be happy to check them for you.

Please call 01932 874411 or book a tyre check online.