Tyre Wear Bars: The Truth About Tread Wear Indicators

Are you tired of vague tyre information all over the internet?
Guides that make you delay tyre replacement because they are unclear and hazy. Information that makes each ride feel like a calculated risk rather than an enjoyable experience. As a result, you may end up wasting time and money in the long run, either by replacing tyres too early or by paying for damage that could have been avoided.We understand the struggle, which is why today we’re discussing a topic often overlooked in the UAE: tyre wear bars, also known as tread wear indicators. In this post, we’ll define what they are, explain their importance in UAE driving conditions, and provide practical inspection methods and expert advice to help you stay safe and compliant.Tyre industry experts have developed this piece to help you make safe, informed, and confident decisions about your tyres. So, without wasting your time, let’s dive in!

What are Tyre Wear Bars / Tread Wear Indicators?

In short, tyre wear bars or tread wear indicators (TWIs) are small raised bars molded in the base of your tyre's tread grooves, between the tread blocks or tread ribs. They’re placed at regular intervals around the tyre to help you easily detect tread wear.

Think of them as built-in safety benchmarks within your tyre that show you when it’s time for a replacement.

These wear indicators are designed to be exactly 1.6 mm high, corresponding to the minimum legal tread depth in the UAE and other countries. So, when your tread wears down to the level of these bars, it means you've reached the legal limit, and it's no longer safe or legal to continue driving on those tyres.

Note: TWIs are molded laterally across the base of the main tread grooves and are not present in every groove.

Why are Tyre Wear Bars Important in the UAE?

Tyre wear bars are critical in UAE conditions because they:

• Alert you when a tyre replacement is crucial
• Help maintain traction, braking performance, and hydroplaning resistance
• Ensure compliance with RTA safety regulations, avoiding fines and penalties

Driving on worn-out tyres (less than 1.6 mm) can result in fines up to AED 500, black points on your licence, and a greater risk at high speeds and temperatures.

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Tyres with 0–2/32 inches (~0–1.6 mm) of tread accounted for 26% of tyre-related crashes
• Tyres with 3–4/32 inches (~2.4–3.2 mm) accounted for just 8%

Even though this study is U.S.-based, the safety impact applies globally. In the UAE, where roads are hot and speeds are high, tread depth is a life-saving metric.

Pro Tip: Replace your tyres before they hit 1.6 mm—ideally at 2.5–3 mm—to maintain maximum performance and grip. This is especially true in the UAE’s heat, which accelerates tyre wear.

How to Check Tread Wear Indicators (A Hack)

To inspect your tread wear indicators:

1. Look at the sidewall near the shoulder for a “TWI” label or a triangle, arrow, or logo (like Michelin’s Bibendum).
2. These symbols show where inside the tread grooves the raised wear bars are located.
3. If the rubber bridges are level with your tread, it’s time for a tyre replacement.

Other methods:

• Use a tread depth gauge (most accurate)
• Use the coin test as a quick check (less precise)

Make sure to check multiple points around the tyre. Uneven wear can occur from underinflation, overinflation, or alignment issues—common issues in the UAE.

Conclusion

Tread wear indicators are not just a design feature — they’re essential safety tools.

They help you:

• Prevent accidents
• Avoid unexpected tyre failures
• Comply with road safety laws

Make smarter, more cost-effective tyre decisions

To clarify: the TWI symbols on the tyre’s outer sidewall point to the actual wear bars inside the tread grooves. Don’t confuse the two. Different brands use different markings — Michelin uses their iconic logo, others use triangles or arrows.

Quick check: If the tread is flush with the raised bridges inside the groove, your tyre is finished. Time for a new one.

 Where to Get New Tyres?

If your tyres are worn or you just want peace of mind before hitting the road, TyresOnline.ae has your back:

• Explore 60+ trusted tyre brands like Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Continental, and Pirelli
• Use our smart filters to search by car or size
• Get our mobile tyre fitment service at your home, office, or anywhere in Dubai or Abu Dhabi
• Reach out for personalised expert advice and enjoy deals throughout the year

Because when it comes to tyres, convenience, confidence, and safety should never be compromised.

Written by: Rageh Hazem
Proofread by: Mohamed Adel