A new tyre starts with approximately 8-9mm of tread depth. However, there is no industry standard.
This tread depth is what provides grip on the road, with different designs and patterns delivering specific results - particularly on wet and snowy weather conditions.
In UK law, a tyre's legal minimum tread depth must be at least 1.6mm across 75% of the tyre's width. Around the entire circumference of the tyre.
However, relying solely on the legal minimum is not enough to ensure your safety on the road.
Driving on worn tyres can have severe consequences. Including reduced braking performance, loss of control, and increased risk of aquaplaning.
The lower the tread depth, the higher the risk of these hazards occurring, particularly in wet or snowy weather conditions.