Tyre tread depth advice please

[JAW911]

I need some advice please. What is the best tool for checking tyre tread depth please? I have the Pirelli P-Zero N0 as required by the OPC extended warranty. I am planning ahead as we are driving to Southern Spain and back in Sept/Oct and want to ensure that I have sufficient material on the tyres for the trip.

 

[JMR]

This is what I've got.

Its as much as you need tbh

https://www.amazon.co.uk/...D=XQ0WBQHBDZWNB8BJ74HG

 

[garyw]

As posted above is ideal, but the quick way to gauge is the tyres have blocks between the tread that show the min depth at a glance.
We found many of the roads nice and smooth in Spain, so enjoy your trip.

 

[JMR]

If you want a digital this is a bargain by Silverline

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-273894-Digital-Depth-Gauge/dp/B001C7MQJI/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1523223765&sr=1-2&keywords=digital+tread+depth+guage

Or a higher quality digital one by Draper
Probably a bit overkill for how many times you are going to check your tyre tread.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-Expert-39591-Digital-Stainless/dp/B004E2B7FW/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1523223765&sr=1-3&keywords=digital+tread+depth+guage

Best thing about the little manual one in the post above, is you never need to worry about the batteries being dead.

 

[Lancerlot]

2p coin will do it. Tread covering the pips around the circumference is legal. Anything above this, you can mark off with a pencil, then measure.[]
Regards,

Clive

 

[JAW911]

Perfect. Thanks for the replies guys. Just ordered the ’manual‘ one - thanks James (JMR). Gary - yes we are really looking forward to the trip. Tour of the Isle of Man with the Club to look forward to first.

 

[fireblade]

Perfect. Thanks for the replies guys. Just ordered the ’manual‘ one - thanks James (JMR). Gary - yes we are really looking forward to the trip. Tour of the Isle of Man with the Club to look forward to first.

The gauge you have ordered is fine but you can easily use the Tread Wear Indicators on the tyre itself.

At various points along the tyre wall close to the tread there are the letters TWI and if you look from there inwards on the tread there are little raised blocks in between the treads. Once they are level with the tread you are at the minimum. As particularly on the front tyres, which wear quicker on the outsides than the middle, you should be able to get a good idea of when to change. I understand that UK regulations specify that at least three quarters of the tyre must be above the minimum depth to be legal. I have no idea what the Spanish limits are but assume they are EU standards which the UK adhere to (at the moment!)
Cheers have a good trip.

 

[Motorhead]

Personally I wouldn't let the tyres on a high performance car such as a Porsche wear down to the level of the tyre's wear indicators mentioned above (~1.6mm). In particular, the wet weather grip will be compromised seriously.

Although 1.6mm is the legal minimum, a minimum tread depth close to 3mm is more appropriate.

Jeff

 

[JAW911]

Yes thanks Jeff. I believe 3mm is the minimum the OPC allows before the warranty is revoked. I just want to make sure I have enough tread left at the start of my 1500 mile Spanish trip.......I wouldn't like to start the trip with 3mm although slicks on those smooth Spanish roads may be exciting! Only kidding your honour!

 

[Pokhara]

Very envious JAW, that trip's on my bucket list. Are you driving through France or ferry to Santander?

 

[JAW911]

Ferrying to and from Santander although going from Plymouth and returning to Portsmouth due to different day sailings. We are going with another couple in their Merc SL although he hasn’t bought it yet! Our route is basically driving down the left hand side and back up the right (making sure we avoid the traffic hell that is Madrid) in a different town each night staying mainly in Paradores over 16 nights in all. All hotels already booked! Really looking forward to it ??

 

[991JAW]

Hi JAW911,
Sounds like a great trip you have planned there- but bth if you are going later on in the year and already having concerns about your tyres just for peace of mind just fit new rubber all round.7 or 8mm is better than 3mm on mountain roads if you get any sudden down pours ...might be a game changer.

 

[JAW911]

Depth gauge arrived and, having checked all four tyres, I have 6 or 7mm all round. I will check again a month before we go to allow time if I need to replace any. Thanks for the advice - much appreciated. Quite fancy trying Michelins anyway!