The van tyre tread depth fulfills an important diagnostic function. Ignoring it will end up giving you problems sooner or later (more risk of punctures, higher fuel consumption, vibrations, etc.). Check it quickly and easily with our tips.
The van tyre tread depth exists for a good reason, you know? Check it out as we teach you here to keep your mobile workshop running 100% safe and efficient.
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What’s the Legal Minimum Depth of Tread For Car or Van?
Both in the United Kingdom and in most countries of the European Union the tyre tread depth legal limit is 1.6 mm. This measurement, taken in the center of the tyre, must be maintained around its entyre circumference and cover at least 3/4 of its width. Breaching this minimum constitutes an offense punishable by fines of up to £2,500 and loss of 3 driving license points for each illegal tyre.
How to Check Van Tyre Tread Depth? 3 methods
If you are wondering how to check tyre tread of your mobile workshop, you should know that there is no single way to do it. In fact, we can give you up to three different ways to measure it. Remember that you must do this review once a month at least.
Below you can read more about 3 recommended methods to check van tyre tread depth.
1) Use Tools to Measure Van tyre Tread Depth
To stay safe on the road is really important ensuring your van’s tyres have enough tread depth. In this regard, if you want to perform a highly accurate check, your best bet is to use a tyre depth gauge. There are digital (0-25 mm) and manual (0-20 mm) versions of this tool.
Having said that, take these methods into consideration in order to measure the tread depth:
- Insert the end of the gauge into the center of the tread.
- Press down until the base of the gauge sits flush against the tyre.
- Read the measurement.
- Perform this check on several parts of the wheel (it is common for tyres to wear unevenly).
2) How to Measure tyre Tread With a Coin?
Do you have a 20 pence coin in the wallet? Then, you can check how worn the tyres of your mobile workshop are. You just have to insert the coin into the main tread grooves. If you can see the beveled edge of it, it’s time to change that tyre.
3) Check tyre Tread Through a Visual Inspection
Are you still not clear about when to change tyres? You may have the answer right under your nose. After all, most modern tyres have TWI (Tread Wear Indicator). These are small 1.6 mm high protrusions located within the tyre grooves.
Inspect the tyres in your mobile workshop. If the TWI markings appear on their sidewalls, this means that they have already exceeded the maximum depth limit allowed by law.
Conclusions about How to Van Tyre Tread Depth
Whether you use a depth gauge, a simple coin, or a visual inspection, checking your van’s tyre tread depth will help to prevent potential hazards. For this reason, don’t wait until you feel a loss of grip or stability. You must better make tyre tread checks a routine part of your vehicle maintenance, as well as keep your professional mobile workshop running at its best.
Of course, taking into account the van tyre tread depth results in the efficiency of your mobile workshop almost as much as equipping it with van racking. Do you already know the modular and custom models that we offer you at Tecnolam UK? Check them out!
