Tests carried out by the Motor Industry Report Association showed that, significant increases in stopping distance began to appear when the tyre was worn down to 3mm.

This research shows that tyres with a 3mm depth had a 25% better performance than those at 1.6mm (the legal requirement for tyres) in wet conditions.

In terms of stopping distance this represents an extra 25ft. In one test where a new tyre with 8mm of tread was compared to one with only 1.6mm the stopping distance increased by 42.5ft.

Additional Information

For further information on buying a car visit www.oft.gov.uk and read the car consumer advice section. Also visit sites like www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk, www.financingyourcar.org.uk, and www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.