HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY CAR TYRE HAS A THREAD WEAR TO AVOID THE WRATH OF THE LAW AND POLICE OFFICERS?

​HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY CAR TYRE HAS A THREAD WEAR TO AVOID THE WRATH OF POLICE OFFICERS?

Do you know the legal limit for your tyre tread?
The law requires a minimum of 1.6mm tread depth across the face of the tread in contact with the road.

​Look for the tread wear indicator bars moulded across the tread at regular spacings to gauge the minimum tread depth. When the tread block is level with the wear bar, the tyre is at its legal limit.

Source: https://web.facebook.com/AutoXpressKenya/photos/a.241360739278680/4256725547742159/?type=3&_rdc=1&_rdr

Having tyres with an effective grip can significantly lower your stopping distance. Safety experts recommend having at least 3mm of tread on your tyres to ensure your stopping distance is as low as possible

Similarly, tread wear comes in many different forms, many of which mark a tyre as unusable. These include:

• A tread shallower than 1.6 mm, legal minimum.
• Split tyre elements, such as a separated tread.
• Deformed or exposed bead wire (the element that holds the tyre onto the car wheel).
• Stains or other discolourations on the butyl layer, similar to a visible marble pattern.
• Bulges or deformations of the sidewall caused by broken threads in the tyre carcass.
• Any cuts or tears in the sidewall, even if superficial, that damage the carcass.

Source: https://www.magaripoa.com/how-do-i-know-when-my-tyres-are-worn/

While the average new passenger tyre has between 8-12mm of tread depending on the tyre’s size, the minimum standard is 1.6mm of tread. Less than this amount and you could actually be charges with an offence.

Tread wear: two typical tread wear patterns caused by improper inflation.

Tread wear: two tread wear patterns caused by the car’s suspension or incorrect balancing.

​Fines and MOT Failure

​Motorists who drive on illegal or defective tyres can be fined. A police officer may issue a fixed penalty notice or report the case for prosecution, where the court can impose a fine of up to Ksh 2,500 for each illegal tyre.

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