Tyre Tread Depth Check
Did you know that when your tyre tread depth reaches 3mm or less your wet grip is dramatically reduced? Poor control in wet weather is just one of the dangers of worn tyres, which can include unresponsive handling and increased loss of air pressure.
How to measure tyre tread depth
Checking the tread depth of your tyres is simple and easy – and all you need is a 20c coin.
To measure your tyre’s tread depth, place an Australian 20c coin into one of the central circumferential grooves of your tyre. If the tread doesn’t reach the bill of the platypus, your tyre has less than 3mm of tread remaining. It’s time to invest in some new tyres to make sure you stay safe while driving
When should a tyre be replaced?
As your tyres’ tread wears, their ability to disperse water reduces. This means when conditions are wet, older tyres can increase the time it takes for your car to come to a stop. Legally you are required to replace your tyres when your tread depth wears below 1.6mm, however we recommend maintaining a tread depth of at least 3mm to avoid a reduction in tyre capability, especially in the wet.
The Dangers of Low Tyre Tread
Why Safety Starts with Your Tyres
Your tyres are the critical connection between your vehicle and the road. But as their tread wears thin, your safety can be compromised. Here’s why maintaining proper tyre tread depth matters:
- Hydroplaning: Low tyre tread reduces your tyres' ability to channel water away during wet conditions. This increases the risk of hydroplaning, where your vehicle loses contact with the road surface, leading to a loss of steering and control.
- Blowout Risk: In extreme cases, tyres can be worn down to the point that the tyre’s internal components are exposed. At this point your tyre is significantly more at risk of failing (blowout) as well as not providing suitable grip in adverse conditions.
- Emergency Braking: Tread blocks assist in resisting forward motion during hard braking. When tyre tread depth is minimal, braking performance tends to be reduced in emergency situations, resulting in a longer stopping distance, even in dry conditions.
- Legal and Insurance Risks: Driving with unsafe tyres may breach legal requirements for minimum tyre tread depth, putting you at risk of fines or penalties. Furthermore, in the event of an accident, worn tyres may invalidate your insurance claim, leaving you unprotected.
Seasonal Considerations:
The risks of low tyre tread aren’t limited to specific conditions—they can vary depending on the time of year, making it even more important to stay vigilant. Each season brings its own unique hazards for tyres with worn tread:
- Rainy Season: Wet roads and rainfall dramatically increase the risk of hydroplaning if your tyre tread is worn. Without the ability to effectively channel water away, your car will lose traction, making steering and braking unpredictable. This is especially critical during heavy rains or flash floods.
- Winter Hazards: In colder regions, tyres with insufficient tread fail to grip icy or snowy surfaces. Bald tyres reduce your ability to maintain control, particularly on slippery slopes or frosty intersections, increasing the risk of skidding.
- Hot Weather: Tyre wear rate is accelerated in the hot months, so If your tyres are already worn, this accelerated wear can make them deteriorate even faster, putting your safety at risk.
- Transition Seasons: Autumn and spring can bring unpredictable conditions like sudden downpours or leaf debris on the road. Tyres with low tread struggle to adapt to these conditions, which could leave you vulnerable to accidents.
No matter the season, proper tyre tread ensures your vehicle is prepared to meet the challenges ahead. Stay safe year-round by checking and maintaining your tyres regularly—and don’t wait until seasonal dangers catch you off guard.
Maintaining proper tyre tread depth isn’t just about compliance—it’s about safeguarding your safety and the safety of others. Make tyre checks a regular part of your vehicle maintenance routine and replace worn tyres promptly.
We offer free tyre checks all year round as part of our commitment to enhancing your driving experience. Our tyre checks will ensure that you and your family stay safe on the road, every step of the way.
When it’s time for you to find new tyres, our friendly team can help you choose the perfect option for your car, so you can enjoy a safer, smoother, and more confident ride. At Bridgestone, You’re always in safe hands.
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