Tread Depth Gauges Test

November 2008

Tyres can easily become the forgotten part of your car. But they’re the only bit of the vehicle that’s in contact with the road – so keeping them in tip-top condition is vital for your safety and pocket.

Worn rubber can dramatically reduce stopping distances, as well as affecting steering and cornering ability. Plus, you could face a fine of up to £2,500 and three points on your driving licence for each illegal tyre! The minimum tread depth in the UK is currently 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre, throughout the entire circumference.

However, experts recommend that you renew well before they get down to that level.

TyreSafe, the UK’s leading tyre safety group, says wet grip deteriorates rapidly in the second half of a tyre’s life, and that motorists should look for a new set before they reach the legal limit. Some tyre manufacturers even go so far as to suggest that you replace the rubber when tread depth reaches 3mm.

Checking a tread level is simple, and safety experts advise combining it with taking a pressure reading at least once a month. You’ll need a depth gauge to carry out the procedure – and we choose from eight of the leading analogue and digital versions.

The Test

We took two tyres – new and worn – to an MoT testing station and measured their tread with a calibrated gauge. This was then used to assess how accurate our eight contenders were.

Marks were awarded for a good range, coupled with clear readings. Plus, we wanted to know how the gauges would stand up to workshop life – so we dropped them from a metre, and tested them again.

Extras included in the package won points, while price and ease of use were also taken into consideration in our verdict.

Verdict

Halfords’ two-piece offers the perfect tyre checking solution for the average motorist, at a sensible cost – and is a worthy winner. Runner-up is Sealey’s professional-quality VSO560, which will suit those who will use it frequently. The final place on the podium goes to the bargain Draper 27298 analogue gauge.

Contacts
Draper, 023 8049 4333, www.draper.co.uk
Halfords, 08457 626625, www.halfords.com
Laser, 01926 815000, www.lasertools.co.uk
Sealey, 01284 757500, www.sealey.co.uk
Sykes-Pickavant, 01922 702222, www.sptools.co.uk

Top 3

1. Sealey VSO560
2. Sealey TST/DG
3. Halfords Analogue Tyre and Tread Depth Gauges

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