Tread Gauges Tested

Taking care of tyres isn’t only about the pressures. Tread is key to safety – so we pick from 12 of the best tread depth gauges...

Auto Express Car Reviews

July 2010

Tyre pressures are hugely important, as we all try to squeeze the last few miles out of every gallon of fuel. But tread depth is key to keeping you and your licence safe.

The legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central 75 per cent of the tyre, yet our tests have shown that braking performance in the wet drops off dramatically when you reach this limit. A safe minimum is 3mm.

A few minutes with a tread depth gauge after checking pressures will also prevent you getting three points on your licence – or a £2,500 maximum fine for each illegal tyre. Plus, regular tread checks will save you money in the long-term. As we reported in Issue 1,119, uneven wear can prematurely render a tyre illegal and reveal other problems – such as incorrect pressures or suspension alignment.

Tread wear indicators moulded into tyre grooves only show the legal limit; a gauge is vital to monitor progress or change rubber at 3mm. We picked from 12 of all types.

The Test

Ease of use is crucial, so we looked for clear scales with a mark for 1.6mm, for easy reading at the legal minimum, plus instructions with tips on the law. We also took measurements from worn and new tyres in wide and narrow grooves, rating them against an MoT-standard gauge. Extras (like pressure gauges) and price (excluding delivery) were also factors.

Verdict

ITC’s Budget Gauge is the easiest to use with its large scale and narrow probe, and is great value. Draper takes second with its simple analogue gauge. Laser’s dial design edges former champ Halfords to the final place on the podium, while the Sealey VSO564 is our pick of the digital gauge.

Contacts
Draper 023 8049 4333 www.draper.co.uk
Halfords 0845 762 6625 www.halfords.com
ITC 01530 278480 www.international-tool.co.uk
Laser 01926 815000 www.toolconnection.co.uk
PCL 0114 248 2712 www.pclairtechnology.com
Ring 0113 213 2000 www.ringautomotive.co.uk
Sealey 01284 757500 www.sealey.co.uk
Streetwize 0161 447 8580 www.streetwizeaccessories.com