Tread depth
Most driving situations require the highest possible tread depth. The tyres should have the same tread depth, at the minimum on each
axle → . This is especially true in wet or wintry road conditions.
In most countries, the minimum tread depth required by law is 1.6 mm (1/16 in), measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear
indicators. Observe any deviating country-specific legal regulations.
Observe any country-specific legal requirements relating to the permissible minimum tread depths for winter and all-year tyres.
Tyre wear
The tyre wear is affected by several factors:
—Style of driving.
—How well the tyres are balanced.
—Adjustments made to the running gear.
Wheel imbalance may develop when the vehicle is driven; you will notice this by the nervous steering response. Unbalanced wheels will
affect the level of tyre wear. In this case the wheels should be balanced again.
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the safety of the vehicle. The wheel alignment should be checked by a
suitably qualified workshop if tyres show excessive wear. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership.
Tyre wear due to sporty driving
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
If you drive with a sporty driving style, check the tread depth every 5,000 to 10,000 km (around 3,107 to 6,214 mi).
Tread wear indicators in tyres
In the tread grooves: 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.
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 tread wear indicators of all tread grooves must be checked when the tread depth is checked.
WARNING
Worn tyres are a safety risk and make it difficult to control the vehicle well. They also increase the braking distance and the risk of
skidding.
Worn tyres have significantly reduced grip. On wet roads in particular, the vehicle will be more at risk of aquaplaning.
Worn tyres can lead to loss of control over the vehicle, serious accidents and fatal injuries.
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