Tread Depth
The legal minimum tread depth for cars in Australia is a minimum of 1.6mm throughout a continuous band comprising the central three-quarters of breadth of the tread and around its entire outer circumference.
In wet weather tyre tread grooves help to remove water from the contact patch between your tyres and the road surface meaning your car can brake, steer and accelerate properly.
Without adequate tread depth your tyres may not be able to perform properly in wet conditions, reducing your safety on the road. It is therefore advisable to consider replacing your tyres well before they reach the legal minimum.
Furthermore, drivers whose tyres fail to comply with the minimum tread depth requirements risk being defected and unable to drive until the tyres are changed.
Wet Conditions
In situations when your tyres have insufficient tread depth to clear the water properly from the road surface, you may experience the particularly hazardous phenomenon of aquaplaning.
During aquaplaning, your tyres lose contact with the road surface and travel on top of the water’s surface. With no contact with the road, you are unable to accelerate, brake or steer effectively, greatly increasing your risk of being involved in an accident.
To reduce your risk of aquaplaning, check your tyre tread depth regularly.
Tread Depth Location
Marked in yellow, these 4 bars indicate when to change your tyres and when you have reached the legal limit.
Do not let your tyres wear down below these bar indicators, don’t risk the safety of yourself and your passengers including others around you.
