When the treads on your tyres wear down, you might be in for a slick ride—literally. Fortunately, a coin can be used to detect unsafe tread depth. The coin test is simple and fast, and it may help you determine whether it's time to change your tyres.
Take a deep breath and reach into your pocket for your extra coins. Give the coin test a shot—it only takes a few minutes—to see whether it's time to change your tyres.
Why would you need to check tyre depth? Your automobile will be able to grip the road if the tyre tread depth is sufficient. This is particularly crucial on snowy or rainy roads, or while driving on less-than-ideal conditions. When the tread on your tyres gets too thin, they are more prone to slipping and sliding, putting you and other vehicles on the road at risk.
As your car endures excessive strain, other components of your vehicle may begin to wear prematurely as a result of your worn tyres. New tyres are an investment worth making, even if they are costly.
Simply insert a 20p coin into your tyre's main tread grooves. If the outside band of a 20p coin is hidden when inserted, your tread exceeds the permissible limit. If the outside band of the coin is visible, your tyres may be unlawful and dangerous, and you should get them examined by a trained tyre technician as soon as possible.
Remember to inspect at least three spots around each tyre while doing the test. Because the test is so fast and simple, check your tyres at least once a month to be safe. The 20p test is a fast and simple method to verify whether your tyre tread depth exceeds the legal requirement.
Tyre tread on automobiles must be at least 1.6mm over the centre three quarters of the tread, along its whole circle, according to current UK legislation. A 20p coin may readily be used to verify this.
While even tread wear is typical, it might indicate poor inflation, wheel misalignment, or a number of other issues. If you see uneven tread wear, get your car inspected by a professional.