Is 5mm tread on car tyres still good to drive on?

What exactly is tyre tread?

Tyre tread is the pattern on the main central face of the tyre that keeps the tyre in contact with the road. A worn tread will offer reduced grip on the road.

What level should tyre tread be at?

The legal minimum for tread is 1.6mm, which must be the measurement across three-quarters of the width and the entire circumference of the tyre. Most new car tyres start with a tread of 8mm. Tread levels above the minimum are still good to drive on, although you must still regularly check for tears or cracks in the sidewall and any other damage to the tyre.

Our qualified fitters believe that once a tread reaches 3mm you should be changing tyres based on tread depth. Tests show that once a tyre is worn to 3mm and below, stopping distances are dramatically affected. This means a vehicle is more likely to struggle, particularly in wet weather and may be more prone to losing grip or aquaplaning.

So, while a 5mm tread is OK to drive on, it is important to check the tread regularly because the closer it gets to 3mm, the more dangerous it becomes.

How do you check tyre tread depth?

There are several ways to check depth. One of the simplest involves the 20p test. Insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves on your tyre. If you cannot see the outer band of the tyre, your tread is likely to be OK to drive on. If you can see the outer band of the 20p piece, however, it is likely that your tread is too low and should be looked at by qualified fitters. Remember to use the 20p test in at least three places around the tyre.

Most tyres, including those from well-known brands including Pirelli, Falken and Bridgestone, have tread depth indicators (wear bars) on them. These are found at points around the tyre and are moulded into the tread grooves. If the tyre tread has become flush with these bars, you should change them as it is likely they fall below the recommended 3mm depth.

You can also check tyre tread by using a tyre tread depth gauge, which is inexpensive and specially designed for the job.

How often should I check tyre tread?

It is recommended that you should check the tread, along with tyre pressure, every two weeks. Once a month is the absolute minimum for this check. You should also check it before undertaking a long journey. Keep your eyes open for the main signs of tyre tread wear, which include visible tears or cracks in the sidewall of the tyre, any bulges or exposed structural wire.

What are the consequences of driving with low tyre tread?

Driving on tyres with insufficient tread can have a significant impact on the safety of your vehicle. It can mean your car has longer braking distances, particularly in wet conditions, struggles to gain traction on icy roads and is more likely to experience a puncture or sudden blowout. Maintaining a good tyre tread depth is just one of several regular checks to undertake to help you get the most out of your tyres.

Aside from the performance issues, as we already mentioned, driving with a tread depth below 1.6mm is illegal. If you suffer an accident which can be traced back to illegal or balding tyres, it may invalidate your insurance.

To prevent excessive tread wear, avoid driving at high speeds, excess loads, or with over- or under-inflated tyres and misaligned wheels.

Choosing the Right Tyre Made Easy

When it comes to your car's safety and performance, tyres can play a huge role. That's why we've put together a collection of helpful articles to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tyres for your ride and maintaining your vehicle in general.

If you're looking for a smoother, more luxurious driving experience, premium car tyres might be the way to go. Or, if you want added security against flats, run flat car tyres could be your best bet. Trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres? We've got you covered there, too.

We also dive into the world of tyre brands, comparing top manufacturers like BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres.

But we don't just stop at helping you choose the right tyres – we also share tips on how to keep them in tip-top shape. From checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres properly inflated to extending their life through regular rotation and balancing, our articles have got you covered.

So, whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking to keep your vehicle safe and reliable, our car help and advice articles are here to help you make informed decisions about your tyres. Check them out and feel confident in your tyre choices!

Book a tyre check with the local garage you can trust

You can book a free tyre check with Protyre. Simply search online for your nearest garage and book a check with one of our experienced tyre professionals. We have more 150 garages across the UK, stocking a range of tyres for all budgets, including brands such as Pirelli, Sumitomo, Bridgestone and Falken.