How to check your car's tyre tread – expert advice from the RAC

RAC patrol Ben shows you how to properly check your car's tyre tread.

[Joe_P]

Love the 20p coin tip, thank you RAC :)

[Valentine]

Just checked mine with 20p coin. I can see the full coin and more 🤣 I'm now off to get 2 new tires. Thanks

[MidnightToker]

You can get a simple tread depth gauge anywhere from £2-£10. 1.6mm across the central 3/4 of the tire (tyre 😅) is the legal minimum for tread in the UK but, for ideal traction and safety, it's recommended to not go below 3mm. Supposedly a 20p piece can be used. If you can't see the band when placing it between the tread then you're above the legal limit. I come from Oregon where people are known to run bald tires and some even with the wires exposed and chunks missing 😅 Generally you don't want to see any cracks, rot, or other signs of age or weathering, and bulges or deep cuts or punctures in the sidewalls are definitely things you don't want. Also make sure to regularly check that all 4 tires/tyres are inflated to the recommended PSI. Every car is different but the user/owner manual or door sticker should say the recommended pressure. Some people where I come prefer their own custom pressures, within the spec of the tire, but when using 2 different pressures you need to at least match pressures in pairs (left front PSI same as right front PSI, left rear PSI same as right rear PSI). If you notice a tire that's significantly low then check for nails or other objects before filling it back up. The best way to do this is to closely examine the tread and sidewall, then roll forward or backward so that the wheels turn 180° (best to have a spotter or lean out) and check the remaining parts of the tire. I had a key in my tire once. I ran over it in a parking lot or somewhere and it punctured a hole in my tire 😅 nrvter know what's in the road. I just came across a handful of sharp screws in a parking lot but was lucky enough to find them while walking and picked them up so no one else would run them over.

[AABABARZ]

The question is where can i find a 20 P coin 😂😂😂😂. Just kidding. This video has really resolved my issue now. I dont need to buy new tyres. 😊

[fffffffffffffffffark]

Shows tyre gauge, proceeds to not bother