How much tread do you get on a new tyre and how long does it take to wear down?
22nd January 2026
Tyre tread is one of the most important safety features on your car, yet it is often overlooked until an MOT or warning light forces action. Most drivers know the legal minimum tread depth, but fewer understand how much tread a brand-new tyre actually has, or how long that tread should realistically last while driving on UK roads.
Knowing what to expect from new tyres helps you spot wear earlier, plan replacements sensibly and avoid the risks that come with running tyres too close to the limit.
How much tread does a new tyre have?
Most new car tyres start life with a tread depth between 8mm and 9mm. This depth is designed to provide optimal grip, water dispersion and stability in a wide range of driving conditions. The deeper tread allows tyres to clear water effectively, reducing the risk of aquaplaning and improving braking performance in wet weather.
Over time, normal driving causes this tread to wear down gradually. As the depth reduces, so does the tyre’s ability to grip the road, particularly on wet or slippery surfaces.
What is the legal tread limit in the UK?
In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth for car tyres is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around the entire circumference. Driving below this limit is illegal and can result in fines, penalty points and MOT failure.
However, tyres do not suddenly become unsafe at 1.6mm. Performance, especially wet grip and braking, begins to decline well before this depth. This is why many professionals recommend replacing tyres earlier for safety and peace of mind.
How long does it take for tyre tread to wear down?
On average, a set of tyres can last between 20,000 and 40,000 miles. For many UK drivers, this equates to roughly three to five years, depending on mileage and your driving habits. If you drive aggressively, for example, if you take sharp turns or brake abruptly, this eventually leads to uneven wear.
City drivers who frequently need to brake and accelerate to navigate narrow streets and slow-moving traffic may see faster wear than those whose journeys usually involve motorway driving. Similarly, drivers who use summer tyres all year round and make frequent short journeys may experience uneven or accelerated wear as the tyres' compound is not designed for colder temperatures.
Factors that affect how quickly tyres wear
Driving style plays a major role in tyre lifespan. Hard acceleration, sharp cornering and heavy braking all increase friction and wear down tread more quickly. Smooth, steady driving tends to preserve tyres for longer.
Road conditions also matter. Poorly maintained roads, potholes and rough surfaces place additional stress on tyres. Over time, this can lead to uneven wear patterns that shorten tyre life.
Tyre pressure is another key factor. Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance, causing the tread to wear faster and less evenly. Over-inflated tyres, on the other hand, tend to wear more in the centre of the tread. Regular pressure checks help tyres wear more evenly and last longer.
Wheel alignment and suspension condition also influence tread wear. Misaligned wheels can cause tyres to wear on one edge far sooner than expected, sometimes reducing tyre life by thousands of miles if left unchecked.
Can I make my tyre tread last longer?
In short, yes! Looking after your tyres will help them to last longer. Regular tyre maintenance such as checking your tyre’s wear and pressure regularly, rotating your tyres when appropriate and making sure your wheels are aligned and balanced will make an enormous difference in how long your tyres last.
When should you replace your tyres?
While 1.6mm is the legal limit, many safety experts recommend replacing tyres when tread depth reaches around 3mm. At this point, wet-weather performance starts to drop noticeably, even though the tyre is still legal.
Replacing tyres earlier improves braking distances, handling and overall confidence behind the wheel. This is particularly important in the UK where wet roads are common throughout the year.
How to check your tyre tread depth
Checking tread depth regularly helps you avoid surprises. A tread depth gauge gives the most accurate reading, but many tyres also include tread wear indicators built into the grooves. When the tread wears level with these indicators, it is time to replace the tyre.
Visual checks should be paired with professional inspections, especially before long journeys or seasonal changes, when tyre performance is tested more heavily.
How Merityre can help you stay safe on the road
Merityre offers professional advice and tyre checks, to help drivers understand the condition of their tyres and plan ahead. We stock a wide range of tyres from many leading tyre manufacturers, including Bridgestone and Continental. For more information about the products and services we offer, simply locate your nearest Merityre branch or contact our friendly team to find out more.