New tyres tread depths

Crofty70

I bought Continental Eco Contact 6 tyres online two years ago with a reputable tyre chain which had a new tread depth of 7.5mm. Last week I had the same (sizes) fitted with the same company but later found out these had a tread depth of only 6mm when new. I queried this and was told these are the new tread depth sizes for these. The response I got was:

‘While some tyres may have an initial tread depth of around 7–8 mm, others—particularly certain modern or fuel-efficient designs—can legitimately be manufactured with a tread depth closer to 6 mm. This does not indicate that the tyres are used or previously fitted.

We have confirmed with our suppliers that the tyres fitted to your vehicle are brand new and meet the manufacturer’s specifications. Variations such as the difference you’ve observed between your previous tyres and the current ones are not uncommon and are due to changes in tyre design and production standards over time.’

A loss of 1.5mm is quite a big ‘deflation’ and I did notice the difference in noise and grip and they didn’t feel as new as the last ones. When you buy online there is no indication of new tread depths so as a consumer I can’t make an informed choice. How do others feel? Should this aspect not be regulated?

northwalesd

There is quite a lot of internet chatter about Continental tyres being only 6mm tread, instead of the more usual 7-8 mm.

RandomTourist

The mileage expected from tyres will depend on two things intrinsic to the tyres - initial tread depth and the rubber compound in the tread. Softer compounds wear faster (see Formula 1!) so just considering depth isn't the way forward. You might try asking the manufacturer whether the compound has changed.

Keep_pedalling

According to Continental the compound used to make these tyres is harder wearing so in theory you should get about the same life from them as the older tyres with the old compound and greater starting depth. Only time will tell. The Bridgestones that came with my ID3 also had a reduced tread depth but had a decent life to them.

https://www.continental-tires.com/content/dam/conti-tires-cms/continental/market-content/ca/download-pdfs/ecocontact-6-download-1.pdf.coredownload.pdf

born_again

In reality nothing to stop them doing this, just like any product we buy. Shrinkflation on everyday products to keep costs down.

Arunmor

Memo to self, check tyre tread depths when buying new tyres!

sheslookinhot

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81939485#Comment_81939485

it’s perfectly legitimate to query the depth of tread on new tyres. That is the only issue from the OP. Nothing to do with the rate of how tyres wear.

Arunmor

Sounds like shrinkflation to me, combined with a bit of witchcraft and claims the tyres last longer. If they last longer then they are harder, ergo won't stop you as quickly / hold the road when you really need them.