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Difficulty: MediumTyre Safety and Requirements

Before setting off on a long journey, you measure the tread depth on your car's tyres. What is the legal minimum tread depth that must be maintained across the central three-quarters of the tyre's tread width and around its entire outer circumference?

  1. A
    1.0 mm
  2. B
    2.5 mm
  3. 1.6 mmAnswer
  4. D
    3.0 mm

Answer

1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre's breadth and around the entire outer circumference.
Under UK law, tyres on passenger cars must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm. This depth must be present throughout a continuous band covering the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the vehicle category and relevant UK statutory regulation.
The vehicle is a passenger car, which is governed by standard UK light vehicle tyre tread regulations.
Different vehicle classes, such as motorcycles or heavy goods vehicles, operate under different statutory limits.
2
Recall the legal minimum measurement and area coverage required for cars.
The statutory minimum depth is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and throughout the entire outer circumference.
Ensuring adequate tread depth in the primary contact band allows effective water dispersal to prevent aquaplaning.
3
Distinguish between advisory safety recommendations and statutory legal thresholds.
1.6 mm is the legal cut-off, whereas 3.0 mm is purely an advisory replacement threshold.
Failing to meet the 1.6 mm limit makes the vehicle unroadworthy and illegal to drive on public roads.

Key Concept

UK Legal Minimum Tyre Tread Depth for Cars
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Tyre Safety and Requirements

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