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Safety is paramount when driving, and the condition of your vehicle’s tyres, particularly their tread depth, plays a crucial role in this. Tread depth affects grip, stability, and braking distance, especially on wet roads. As tyres wear, their ability to displace water decreases, leading to longer braking distances and increased accident risk.
Understanding the Basics of Tyre Tread & Wet Breaking
Tyre Tread is the the rubber on a tyre’s circumference, designed with patterns to provide grip and displace water. New standard summer tyres typically have a tread depth of around 7-8mm while off road tyres have somewhere in the region of 11-12mm . Over time, this depth reduces, affecting tyre performance.
Wet Braking Stopping Distance is the distance a vehicle travels from the time brakes are applied until it stops. Wet roads reduce tyre traction, increasing the stopping distance. Deeper treads enhance water displacement and grip, reducing stopping distances.
Study of Wet Breaking Distance Based on Tyre Tread Depth
Studies show that tyres with deeper treads significantly reduce stopping distances on wet roads compared to worn-out tyres, highlighting the importance of maintaining proper tread depth. A detailed analysis indicates that wet braking performance starts at 100% with a 12 mm tread depth, drops to 87% at 6 mm, and further declines to 54% at 1 mm. This correlation between decreasing tread depth and reduced braking efficiency underscores the need for regular tyre maintenance to ensure safety in wet conditions.
Real life testing data
When comparing full tread depth to 2 mm tread depth, most tyres retain around 64% to 71% of their wet braking performance. Specifically, the Continental PremiumContact 7 shows a significant decrease, with a worn wet braking distance of 42.2 metres compared to 27.1 metres with full tread, a difference of 15.1 metres. This is more than 3 car lengths combined ! This highlights the overall trend that tread wear substantially reduces wet braking efficiency.
Ensuring tyres are in optimal condition is crucial for safe driving, as tyre tread depth significantly impacts wet braking stopping distance. Studies show that decreased tread depth leads to longer stopping distances and reduced performance. Regular tyre checks and timely replacements are essential not just for tyre longevity but for road safety. Proper tread depth ensures effective braking, especially on wet roads. Keep your tyres well-maintained, drive responsibly, and always prioritise safety.
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