Tyre depths
39 replies
Metheven replied on 09/02/2018 09:54
Posted on 09/02/2018 09:54
I change around 2.5/3.0mm, water dispersal efficiency gets worse as tread depth lessens, and eventually you can end up aquaplaning in bad conditions. Then no amount of braking or steering by the driver will do anything to keep control of the vehicle.
Permanent dry roads would probably be fine even down to slick tyres, but we live in the UK and that doesn't happen.
1 person likes this
Mitsi Fendt replied on 09/02/2018 10:18
NutsyH replied on 09/02/2018 16:32
Posted on 09/02/2018 09:42 by tigerfishI suppose in the end it all comes down to how safe you want to be and how much you value your own life. If the answer is not much, by all means go down to 1.6 mm or even lower if you really don't care!
Me? I would never go below 2mm and I usually change at about 2.5mm. Remember your only contact with the road, and therefore your ability to control your car depends on about 4 sections of rubber about 4 inches by 3 inches (Depending on tyre size) Personally I like those 4 sections to be as grippy and less prone to slipping as possible. You never know what that other idiot will do.
( Ex Police grade 1 driver, I.A.M, over 1.25 million miles covered and no accidents)
Tyre safety is YOUR responsibility!
Posted on 09/02/2018 16:32
Tigerfish
Couldn't agree more. I was told many years ago exactly what you say above, by a Police Class 1 driver who was giving me lessons on how to drive a TVR quickly but safely.
I also have a good pal who is a tyre engineer, and is of similar opinion. I drive performance cars, and believe the tyres are as important as the brakes, suspension, and my abilities.
Same applies, I think, to tyre choice. There are roughly 3 classes of tyre:
Budget, Mid range and Premium
I know it is a financial choice for many people, but I would never use anything other than premium on my cars.
PrestonDave replied on 09/02/2018 20:55
EmilysDad replied on 10/02/2018 08:04
Posted on 09/02/2018 20:55 by PrestonDaveIt all depends how fast you drive, how close you follow the car in front and what you are comfortable at driving, lets face it at the correct speed and distance slicks would be safe but illegal.
Milothedog replied on 10/02/2018 11:05
Sootyvandriver replied on 10/02/2018 19:02
Posted on 10/02/2018 19:02
I would be happier driving premium tyres at 1.6mm - 2mm than Buget tyres at 5mm.
I like to change all 4 tyres at the same time so swap front to rear mid life. I have changed tyres due to sidewall cracking recently.
From memory most new tyres are around 7mm tread depth so those of you changing at 4mm or so must be well shod, in more way than one.
Wildwood replied on 12/02/2018 15:11
Metheven replied on 12/02/2018 18:43
Pickle Wanderer replied on 12/02/2018 21:15
Posted on 12/02/2018 18:43 by MethevenI would be happier driving premium tyres at 1.6mm - 2mm than Buget tyres at 5mm.
A car aquaplaning due to inadequate tread depth is not fussy what brand of tyre is fitted.
rjb