What is the minimum tread depth required for tyres?

The minimum tread depth required for tyres is important for ensuring adequate grip and handling in various driving conditions, especially in wet conditions where tread depth plays a critical role in water dispersion and preventing hydroplaning. A tread depth of 1 millimetre is generally considered the legal minimum for safe driving, as it allows for a sufficient amount of rubber to maintain traction with the road surface.

Below this threshold, tyres can significantly lose their effectiveness, increasing the risk of accidents. The tread is designed to channel water away from the tyre contact area, and with only 1 millimetre of tread, this function begins to deteriorate, leading to dangerous driving conditions.

Higher tread depths can provide better performance, particularly in adverse weather conditions, but the critical point remains that 1 millimetre is the minimum depth at which the tyres can still provide a relatively safe driving experience.