How much tread do you get on a new tyre and how long does it take to wear down?

Buying new tyres can be expensive, so it’s important to understand what you’re paying for. This guide will explain how long your tyres should last, and the factors that can make your tyres wear faster.  

How much tread on a new tyre? 

The amount of tread on a new tyre varies depending on the make and model of the tyre. The tread is the part of the tyre with grooves that grip the road. Generally, the amount of tread you’ll get on a new tyre will range between 8mm and 10mm.  

How long do new tyres last? 

There are a number of factors that affect how quickly your tyres wear down such as; 

• Quality of tyre:  Higher quality tyres will generally be more resistant to wear as they are made from superior materials. When choosing your tyres you may want to choose a tyre with a higher tread wear rating as they are more likely to last longer and be more resistant to punctures.  
• Road conditions: The road conditions have an impact on how quickly your tyres wear as rough or uneven roads will cause your tyres to wear down faster. Especially if you drive on these types of roads frequently. Driving in wet weather more often can also increase tyre wear. 
• Driving habits: Your driving style can cause your tyres to wear down quicker. For example, hard braking, rapid acceleration and aggressive driving put more pressure on your tyres.  

Although these factors impact how long your tyres are likely to last, most tyres have an average lifespan of between 3-5 years - or between 25,000 and 50,000 miles. 

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 and making sure your wheels are aligned and balanced will make an enormous difference in how long your tyres last.  

What is the legal requirement for tyre tread? 

In the UK, the legal minimum requirement for tyre tread depth is 1.6mm. However, we recommend changing your tyres when they have 3mm of tyre tread left on them. This is because at the legal limit, your braking distance increases your tyre’s ability to grip the road is significantly poorer. 

If you choose to continue driving with less than 3mm tread on your tyre, you’ll still be able to drive between 1,000-4,000 miles before they reach the legal limit. For more information about tyre safety read our helpful guide. 

Here at Merityre, we stock a wide range of tyres from a number of brands including Avon, 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.