New National Tyrewise Regulations Effective 1st March – A Tyre Stewardship Fee Will Apply To Manage End-Of-Life Tyres Disposal. See Details.
New National Tyrewise Regulations Effective 1st March – A Tyre Stewardship Fee Will Apply To Manage End-Of-Life Tyres Disposal. See Details.
New Zealand’s roads are some of the toughest in the world — coarse chip seal, wet conditions, rural gravel, sudden weather changes, and high-speed highways. That’s why tyre tread depth matters more here than almost anywhere else.
Your tread is what gives your tyres grip. When it’s low, your braking distances increase, your car becomes unstable in the wet, and the risk of aquaplaning skyrockets.
This guide explains NZ’s legal tread depth, what’s safe, and how to quickly check your tyres at home.
The legal minimum tread depth in NZ is 1.5mm across the tread around the entire circumference of the tyre.
Anything under 1.5mm is illegal — and unsafe.
Why 1.5mm isn’t enough
While 1.5mm is the legal requirement, safety experts recommend replacing tyres at 3mm, especially for wet-weather driving. Below 3mm, stopping distances increase dramatically.
If you’re regularly driving on wet roads — common across New Zealand — replacing tyres earlier is a smart safety decision.
Wet weather (Auckland, Wellington, West Coast)
Low tread depth = less water dispersion = longer braking distances.
Coarse chip seal (common nationwide)
Wears tyres down faster than overseas road surfaces.
Rural or gravel roads
Shallow tread increases the risk of stone penetration and punctures.
4×4 and towing
More weight on tyres means tread depth becomes even more important.
Your tyres are your vehicle’s only contact with the road — about the size of four postcards.
Get the Power of Grip. Drive Safe with healthy tread.
You don’t need special tools — there are three easy ways to check tread depth:
Method 1: Use the Tread Wear Indicators (TWI)
Every tyre has small raised bars inside the grooves.
When they’re level with the tread surface, your tyres are at 1.5mm — the legal limit.
If the bars are flush, replace your tyres immediately.
Method 2 (Updated): Use a Tyre Tread Depth Gauge
A tread depth gauge is the most accurate and easiest way to check your tyre tread at home. They’re inexpensive, widely available, and many drivers already have one.
How to use it:
What to look for:
Method 3: Ask Your Local Tyrepower Store for a Free Tyre Safety Check
All Tyrepower stores nationwide offer free tyre inspections.
We’ll check:
You should replace your tyres when:
For a full, detailed guide, see:
.
Find your tyres today at Tyrepower NZ and get the power of expert advice, trusted brands, and local service.
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