Both the tyre pressure and the tread depth of car tyres are very important. The correct pressure and tread depth ensure that your tyres perform optimally. An incorrect tyre pressure or tread depth carries a lot of risks. Tyres not in top condition have for example less grip. It is recommended to check the tread depth and tyre pressure at least once a month. You can do this with a tyre depth gauge and a tyre pressure gauge.
Tyre pressure gauge
It is important that you regularly check the tyre pressure with a tyre pressure gauge. Tyre pressure is crucial for the tyres to perform optimally. Correct tyre pressure ensures comfort and safety while driving. For this reason, you will also have to check this regularly. It is recommended to do this monthly. Incorrect tyre pressure is a risk for your safety. Your car will have less grip and increased stopping distance. Your tyres will also wear faster and fuel consumption increases.
It is recommended to check your tyre pressure at least once a month. You can do this quickly and easily with a tyre pressure gauge. Both analogue and digital tyre pressure gauges are available. A digital tyre pressure gauge is a bit more accurate, but unlike an analogue one, the battery can go flat. Both are simple to use. Put the tyre gauge on the valve, after which you can read the pressure on the display. The correct tyre pressure is determined by the car manufacturer. You will find a tyre pressure table in your car, often a sticker found in the door frame or behind the sun visor.
Tyre depth gauge
In addition to the right tyre pressure, the tread depth of your tyres is just as important. Due to use of tyres wear and thus lose tread depth. Less tyre tread depth leads to poor drainage of water, which can lead to aquaplaning. From a legal point of view, the minimum tyre tread depth for cars in the UK and Europe is 1.6mm, measured across the central three-quarters of the tyre with a tyre depth gauge. This is the minimum requirement stated by UK law. It is recommended, however, to have a minimum tread depth of 2 mm. Please note that this is applicable to summer tyres. To cope with weather considerations the minimum tread depth for winter tyres is recommended at 4 mm. Winter tyres with less than 4 mm tread depth in principle cease to be winter tyres. In some countries, the legal winter wear limit is laid down by law.
With a tyre tread depth gauge you can measure how much tread your tyres still have. The tread depth can be measured with an analogue or digital tyre depth gauge. A digital tyre tread gauge is often slightly more accurate than an analogue tyre depth gauge. Place the tread depth gauge in different places around the tyre in a groove. On the display of the digital gauge, the tread depth can be read. Is this less than 1.6 mm? Then you will have to replace your tyres immediately. Too little tyre tread depth can result in penalty points (three penalty points), a hefty fine (a £2,500-per-tyre fine) and a failing at the MOT.
Buying a tyre pressure gauge and tyre depth gauge
Buying a tyre tread gauge or a tyre pressure gauge is quick and easy at Winparts. At Winparts UK you will find a wide range of tyre gauges from different brands such as Carpoint, HR, Lampa and Sonic. Looking for other accessories for your tyres? At Winparts you will also find tyre repair kits, tyre stands, tyre pumps, spigot rings and wheel spacers. You can also visit Winparts for car parts such as brake discs, brake pads and wheel trims.