{"id":1658,"date":"2025-10-31T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mrclutch.com\/blog\/?p=1658"},"modified":"2025-10-31T09:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T09:00:00","slug":"how-to-check-tyre-treads","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mrclutch.com\/blog\/how-to-check-tyre-treads\/","title":{"rendered":"How to check tyre treads"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you own a vehicle, it\u2019s your responsibility to make sure it stays in good condition, helping to keep yourself and everyone around you safe when you take to the roads. But sometimes, it can be tricky to remember all the little checks and measurements you should be taking so you can spot when your vehicle needs a bit of work done.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll run through the best methods for checking your tyre tread depth, as well as touching on other checks you can do at the same time and clarifying the legal requirements when it comes to tyre maintenance<\/a> and safety. Keep reading to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to measure tyre treads<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a vehicle owner, you\u2019re probably aware that your tyres have something called \u2018treads\u2019 – this refers to the patterns on the road-touching surfaces of your tyres that help to maintain traction.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On a brand new tyre, these patterns are held in relief, with deep gaps between them – almost like a hedge maze viewed from above. But as you put them through a bit of natural wear and tear<\/a> by driving, the rubber begins to wear away. In time, the depth of the tread decreases until the tyre is \u2018bald\u2019 – in other words, the relief patterns have worn away.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important! <\/strong>Your tyres don\u2019t always wear down equally – problems with your wheel alignment can cause one side of a tyre to wear down more quickly than the other. Because of this, it\u2019s vital to inspect the whole middle three-quarters of your tyre surface, and to get your wheels\u2019 alignment checked<\/a> regularly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is that a problem? Well, worn away treads equals less traction on the road surface, so you could easily go slipping and sliding into a collision – particularly in wet conditions. Tyre tread depth is also something that\u2019s checked on an MOT, so there can be expensive consequences if your tyres aren\u2019t up to scratch. But we\u2019ll get into that a bit later.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, let\u2019s look at how you can check the tread depth of your tyres quickly and easily. There are three main methods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n