Tyre tread depth

HillStreetBlues

The legal limit is 1.6mm but what to forum users replace theirs at?

mebu60

In the high 2s usually, especially if winter approaching. 

facade

Mid to low twos, I really can't be bothered continually measuring at multiple places in an effort to get down to 1.600mm before I replace them!

I just look at the wear bars and when they are getting to about 0.5mm below the tread it is time for new tyres.

MikeJXE

I just replaced 2 tyres that had  3.5mm tread 

Advisory at last October Mot, fine cracks

Better safe than sorry 

daveyjp

I wouldn't want to go into this time of year with less than about 3mm on tyres.  I've found below that they scrabble on wet leaves and damp surfaces, roundabouts can become interesting and in snow they are hopeless.

cymruchris

Keep in mind age as well as depth. As tyres age, they crack. So if you're doing tiny mileages, and wearing your tyres out slowly - keep an eye on the sidewalls as well - and replace them after about 7 or 8 years even if they still have good tread.

fatbelly

Below 3mm the wet performance falls off so I replace then

HillStreetBlues

cymruchris said:

Keep in mind age as well as depth. As tyres age, they crack. So if you're doing tiny mileages, and wearing your tyres out slowly - keep an eye on the sidewalls as well - and replace them after about 7 or 8 years even if they still have good tread.

That's a good point. One of my tyres is 2.6mm but also has slight cracking ( MOT was this  week and that tyre was the only advisory and the only issue)
I had decided to replace it but did wonder if getting down that low or to legal limit was common.
I will get both fronts done as the other has a slow puncture and expect it's a roughly same age as the other front (will have a check)
My mileage is very low and my car is getting a bit old I expect it will be the last front tyres I buy based of wear and age (excluding any damage).

Mr.Generous

facade said:

Mid to low twos, I really can't be bothered continually measuring at multiple places in an effort to get down to 1.600mm before I replace them!

I just look at the wear bars and when they are getting to about 0.5mm below the tread it is time for new tyres.

Yep same for me.

Alanp

3mm, for me, 

Alanp

HillStreetBlues said:

cymruchris said:

Keep in mind age as well as depth. As tyres age, they crack. So if you're doing tiny mileages, and wearing your tyres out slowly - keep an eye on the sidewalls as well - and replace them after about 7 or 8 years even if they still have good tread.

That's a good point. One of my tyres is 2.6mm but also has slight cracking ( MOT was this  week and that tyre was the only advisory and the only issue)
I had decided to replace it but did wonder if getting down that low or to legal limit was common.
I will get both fronts done as the other has a slow puncture and expect it's a roughly same age as the other front (will have a check)
My mileage is very low and my car is getting a bit old I expect it will be the last front tyres I buy based of wear and age (excluding any damage).

If you are replacing both tyres, make sure you put the new ones on the rear.