Tread depth and tread wear indicators
Fig. 1 Tyre tread: tread wear indicators.
Tread depth
In most countries, the minimum tread depth required by law is 1.6 mm (measured in the tread
grooves next to the tread wear indicators); observe any differing country-specific 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.
The bottom of the tyre tread has 1.6 mm high tread wear indicators → Fig. 1 . 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.
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Tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread is worn down to the tread wear
indicators.
Worn tyres have considerably less grip, particularly on wet roads, which can cause the
vehicle to “float” 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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