Underinflated tyres will result in increased fuel
consumption.
Tread depth and wear indicators
Fig. 1 Tyre tread: tread wear indicators.
Tread depth
Most driving situations require the highest possible tread depth. All tyres should have an even tread depth on at least
one axle. This is especially true in wet or wintry road conditions.
In most countries, the legally permissible minimum tread depth is reached at 1.6 mm(1/16 in) residual tread -
measured in the tread grooves next to the wear indicators (observe deviating country-specific legal regulations). The
tyres should have the same tread depth, at the minimum on each axle →
.
Observe any country-specific legal requirements relating to the permissible minimum tread depths for winter and all-
year tyres.
Tread wear indicators in tyres
The tread wear indicators show if a tyre is worn down. The tyre must be replaced at the latest when the tread depth
is just down to the tread wear indicator.
There are 1.6 mm (1/16 in) high wear indicators→ Fig. 1 in the tread base of the tyres. Markings on the tyre sidewall
indicate the position of the tread wear indicators → Fig. 1.
WARNING
Worn tyres are a safety risk and can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and cause serious injury.
● Tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread is worn down to the tread wear indicators.
● Worn tyres have considerably less tread, particularly on wet roads, which can cause the vehicle to glide along the
road surface (aquaplaning).
● Worn tyres reduce the possibility of controlling the vehicle well in normal and difficult driving situations and
increase braking distance and the risk of skidding.
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