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Tread carefully: The importance of tread depth

Tread is one of the most important features when it comes to driving as it’s responsible for your safety, great driving experiences and fuel-efficient performance. So, if your tyres are lacking the necessary tread, you may find driving a significantly less enjoyable experience.

Over time, the tread will wear away but the speed at which that happens can be due to the tyres you opt for. There are three tyre types available: budget, mid-range and premium. Each tyre must legally have a tread depth of 1.6mm or more and if they don’t, you may face penalties such as three points on your licence.

When searching for the best tyres to fit on your car, opting for premium tyres typically gets you the best tread and our guide below will explain why. Read on to find out more.


Tread life

Premium tyres will usually offer a longer lifespan than cheaper alternatives, which may mean they prove more cost-effective in the long run. Tyres from brands like Michelin usually feature advanced rubber compounds tyres, and have the latest innovative technology built into them, ensuring optimal tread is maintained for longer.

You can typically expect any tyres to last up to 20,000 miles before they wear away but you may get more when you opt for premium tyres.


Traction in wet and dry conditions

If you choose premium all-season tyres, you can expect excellent traction no matter the road conditions. The balanced levels of natural rubber in the tyre composition, regular tread depths, and 3D sipes ensure this is possible. Not only should this let your car perform wherever you go but it should help with fuel efficiency too.


First-class handling and braking

Being in total control of your car is possible with premium tyres as they have tread you can rely on for cornering smoothly and performing emergency manoeuvres. This is because you can take corners without worrying about losing your grip and you can act fast if someone pulls out in front of you, giving you full confidence your car will quickly come to a stop when you hit the brakes..


What else do I need to consider when buying tyres?

While premium tyres are ahead of the others in terms of tread, performance and safety, choosing the right tyres isn’t always as easy as picking up the most expensive options. To ensure you fit the right tyres on your car, consider the following:

  • Budget 
  • The season 
  • Driving needs 
  • Tyre Size
  • Speed rating
  • Number of tyres needed

As you can see, picking a new set of tyres isn’t the most straightforward decision but focussing on the tread quality can make choosing a little easier for you.

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