Tyre tread measuring tool

**HungusMaximist** · 25th August 2008, 16:40

Does anybody have one that I could use to check if my front tyre is legal enough to get away with my next WOF?

**ManDownUnder** · 25th August 2008, 16:55

anyone with vernier calipers will be able to do the job - they have a depth gauge built into them. Me for example - I have some. I'd be more worried about the subjective interpretation of the results deon by the good WOF people...

**Ragingrob** · 25th August 2008, 16:56

I'm sure if you just cruise to cycletreads they'll measure it for ya in 2 secs. You probably could just use callipers too, Stevo's got some.

**bomma** · 25th August 2008, 17:03

just get a stick and a marker, put stick into groove and mark with marker, measure length from end of stick to marked start of marked area....dont even have to leave the garage

**Squiggles** · 25th August 2008, 17:05

You get these silly but handy ones from the aa if you get a wof there, useless for testing tire pressure but they've got a tread depth thing which works well.... i've lost my ones tho

**HungusMaximist** · 25th August 2008, 17:56

Originally Posted by ManDownUnder

anyone with vernier calipers will be able to do the job - they have a depth gauge built into them. Me for example - I have some. I'd be more worried about the subjective interpretation of the results deon by the good WOF people...

Thanks for reminding me of using my digital vernier calipers. I do have to say though it's a bit hard measuring tread, as you've said, it's pretty subjective. I've had a read on the LTSA website and they mention

The tread depth is measured in the principal grooves that contain the tread depth indicators. However, there are tread patterns where the principal grooves cover different widths of tyre tread. This means that in order to pass WoF/CoF some tyres must have 1.5 mm tread depth across a greater tread width than other tyres. This is especially the case for tyres that have lateral grooves (those that end at the tyre edges), as shown in picture 3. Vehicle inspectors may disregard the outer end of a lateral groove where it normally tapers off over the shoulder. Note that the tread is only that part of the tyre that is in contact with the ground.

I would be guessing that they could take a few measurements and anything that falls below the 1.5 mm mark would be considered a fail?

I've had a squizz at mine and I am sort of borderline 1.6-1.7 mm at places where some places are around 1.3mm.

Just wanted to hold back for a week or 2 before I get a new front, but guess WOF is already due so might have to play it by the books and a get a new one.

Attachments are from the LTSA website.

**Rockbuddy** · 25th August 2008, 18:04

take it for a wof, your going to anyway, they will mesure them if it fails buy new tyres if it passes dont. easy really

**klyong82** · 25th August 2008, 23:06

I use a coin to measure my treads....but jezzzz Ewen if ya blade needs a new tyre go get a new one and stop been a bloody stingy person....

**cs363** · 25th August 2008, 23:22

Originally Posted by klyong82

I use a coin to measure my treads....but jezzzz Ewen if ya blade needs a new tyre go get a new one and stop been a bloody stingy person....

X2 on that - it's not a cage, plus this ain't the weather for slicks!
If $$ are tight have a word to your local bike shop, chances are if you've supported them they'll give you a stretch on paying for a couple of weeks especially if you pay a little up front. Doesn't cost anything to ask.

**motorbyclist** · 26th August 2008, 00:40

if you're shor on cash get some secondhand tyres

it's much cheaper than having the front slide out in wet weather, then having insurance refuse to pay out as bike wasn't warrantable

**bomma** · 26th August 2008, 08:12

or get into your lycra and pedal your way around

but replace bald tyres, after having had a gn pass me while i was on the 7r due to a relatively slick-like rear, i can say that ill never let twinkle pass me again!!!

**Squiggles** · 26th August 2008, 09:45

I still have two 120/70-17's in the shed

**HungusMaximist** · 26th August 2008, 10:08

I can get a new tyre but I just need to hold off for a while as I need the cash for something else.

Yes, it's a 120 in the front. Just wondering where the heck I can get a second hand tyre and get somebody to chuck it on....

**Ragingrob** · 26th August 2008, 10:15

Originally Posted by HungusMaximist

I can get a new tyre but I just need to hold off for a while as I need the cash for something else.

Yes, it's a 120 in the front. Just wondering where the heck I can get a second hand tyre and get somebody to chuck it on....

Well if it's a 120/70-17 then head over to Stephen's... Then head over to Cycletreads and Chris'll chuck it on for you I'm sure! He's working today too.

**HungusMaximist** · 26th August 2008, 10:18

Originally Posted by Ragingrob

Well if it's a 120/70-17 then head over to Stephen's... Then head over to Cycletreads and Chris'll chuck it on for you I'm sure! He's working today too.

What are your tyres stephen? Reasonable tread left?

That's rather nice if Chris could do it, happy to throw him some cash for his labour.