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Frequently asked questions

Motor vehicle Tyres

When should you replace your rubber?

In Australia, worn tyres are illegal when the tread depth falls below 1.5mm, or if there is visible damage like exposed cords, deep cuts, or bulges. Examples include tyres with a bald patch (where tread is worn completely away) or tyres with deep cuts or bulges in the sidewall. 
 
Key points about worn or illegal tyres:

 

  • Legal Tread Depth: The legal minimum tread depth for cars in Australia is 1.5mm. 
     
  • Tread Wear Indicators: Tyres have tread wear indicators (moulded bars within the tread grooves) that show when the tyre is nearing the legal limit. 
     
  • Consequences of Driving on Illegal Tyres: This includes fines, demerit points, and potential vehicle impoundment. 
     
  • Safety Risks: Worn tyres affect braking distance, handling, and increase the risk of aquaplaning. 
     
  • Examples of Tyre Damage:
    • Bald Patches: When the tread is worn down to the point of being smooth and lacking grooves. 
       
    • Cuts and Bulges: Damage to the sidewall, including cuts, cracks, or bulges in the rubber. 
       
    • Exposed Cords: When the internal steel cords of the tyre are visible due to wear. 
       
    • Uneven Wear: Wear on one side of the tyre more than the other, indicating alignment or suspension issues. 
       
How to Check Your Tyres:

 

  • Tread Depth Gauge: Use a tread depth gauge (or a 20-cent coin) to check the depth of the tyre tread in multiple spots. 
     
  • Visual Inspection: Inspect the tyres for any cuts, bulges, or exposed cords on the sidewalls and tread. 
     
  • Look for Wear Indicators: Check for the tread wear indicators within the grooves. 

 

Motorcycle Tyres

 

In Victoria, motorcycle tires are considered illegal and unsafe if the tread depth is less than 1.5mm across the central three-quarters of the tire. Riding with tires below this legal limit can result in fines, demerit points, and potentially a roadworthy failure. Additionally, tires with uneven wear, sidewall cracking, or mismatched types can also be deemed illegal and unsafe. 
 
Legal Tread Depth:
  • The minimum legal tread depth for motorcycle tires in Victoria is 1.5mm.
  • This measurement is taken across the central three-quarters of the tire's tread. 
     
Other Illegal Tyre Conditions:

 

  • Uneven wear:
    Tires worn unevenly, such as being "squared off" or "cupped," can also be considered illegal and unsafe, even if the minimum tread depth is met.
  • Sidewall cracking:
    Cracks in the sidewall of the tire indicate deterioration and can lead to tire failure.
  • Mismatched tire types:
    Using different types of tires on the front and rear wheels (e.g., a racing tire on the front and a touring tire on the rear) can be illegal and unsafe. 
     
Consequences of Illegal Tires:

 

  • Fines and demerit points:
    Law enforcement can issue fines and demerit points for riding with illegal tires. 
     
  • Failed roadworthy inspection:
    Tires that don't meet the legal requirements will result in a failed roadworthy inspection. 
     
  • Increased risk of accidents:
    Worn or damaged tires can reduce grip, increase braking distances, and make the motorcycle more difficult to control, leading to a higher risk of accidents. 
     
Checking Tyre Tread Depth:

 

  • Use a tread depth gauge to measure the depth of the tread in several places, including the center and edges of the tire. 
     
  • Ensure the tread depth is at least 1.5mm across the central three-quarters of the tire. 
     
  • Check for wear indicators (small bars or lines molded into the tire tread). If the tread is level with the wear indicators, the tire is worn out and needs replacing.