Henley Tyres Ltd.


Minimum Recommended Tread Depth



UK Tyre Regulations require:

  • A minimum of 1.6mm of tread in the central ¾ of the tyre width - all the way around the tyre
  • The edge of the tyre may be worn down but if any of the internal tyre cords are visible the tyre is illegal
  • Bulges, deep cuts & cracks on the tyre wall / tread can be dangerous and are likely to be illegal

    Independent Tests

    Based on a car travelling at 50mph on a wet road:
  • On 8mm tread depth stopping distance was: 25.9m
  • On 3mm tread depth stopping distance was: 31.7m
  • On 1.6mm tread depth stopping distance was: 39.5m
    Source: Green Flag & 'Brake'


    Henley Tyres Advice:

  • Inspect tyre condition regularly - pot holes & kerb damage may damage the tyre tread and walls
  • At the start of each day walk round the vehicle and visually check for tyre damage / low pressure
  • Check tyre pressures regularly - should be each week, but no longer than monthly intervals
  • Consider changing your tyres when tread depth is 3mm. Vehicle contact with the road is approximately only the size of only a hand palm per tyre. (German law requires 3mm of tread depth)

    Your safety is a priority - tyres are one of the main factors governing how your vehicle will respond to steering and braking, especially when roads are wet and something unforeseen happens!