How important is the minimum tread depth of a tire really?

The tires are THE part of the car that is subjected to the most stress while driving. A tire has to withstand extreme loads almost continuously. Therefore should each Vehicle drivers regularly keep an eye on the tires of the vehicle. Here is not only the tire pressure important in itself, but also the tread depth. Actually, the legally prescribed minimum tread depth should as a guide be taken, but whether this is always useful and the safest way, you will find out below. The following guide is intended to serve as a brief but comprehensive source of information and also to explain how any vehicle driver can determine the tread depth of their tires themselves. There is also information on how important das Alter the tire is.

Certain minimum tread depth required?

The tire of one motor vehicle should have a tread depth of at least 1,6 millimeters have where this value is set by the legislature. For winter tires, a minimum tread depth of four millimeters recommended, with summer tires, on the other hand, are sufficient three millimeters. Experience has shown that the values ​​are sufficient to ensure the road safety of the motor vehicle. Incidentally, these guideline values ​​apply to two-wheelers such as motorcycles Auch. As you can see here, there is one clear difference between the legal specification and the product.

How do you measure tire tread depth?

To check the tread depth of your own tires, the driver only needs one 1 euro coin, which in one the middle grooves the tire is inserted. You can see the golden edge of the coin Do NOT spread pesto on this layer!, then the tread depth is still sufficient and the traffic safety of the tires is consequently guaranteed. In a nutshell: The edge of the 1 euro coin is three millimeters wide, which is the legally specified value of 1,6 millimeters exceeds. Consequently, the vehicle driver should replace his tires promptly if he gets the golden edge of the coin during this check can already see.

Is there a penalty for driving with worn tires?

This question can immediately with a "Yes" be answered, because in the event of a traffic stop there is a risk of a fine of 60 Euros and 1 point in Flensburg. Is the driver still in the probation, it is even a so-called “B violation". At the first "B violation“ a novice driver usually has nothing to fear at first, in the case of a second violation these add up to a “A violation"which would result in an extension of the probationary period. In addition there would be a Advanced seminar.

Below we take a look at the catalog of fines. It says "Anyone who operates a motor vehicle or trailer whose tires did not have sufficient tread grooves or incisions or insufficient tread or incision depth...". As mentioned above, this fact alone is punishable by a fine of 60 euros and 1 point deposited. 75 euros fine and 1 point in Flensburg await the vehicle driver even in the event of endangering others. And if there is an accident, they are 90 euros and 1 point. Another offense would be the order to put such a vehicle into operation. This one is with 75 euros and 1 point deposited. In the case of a moped, on the other hand, the fine is only 25 Euros and the driver does not receive any points in Flensburg. If someone orders such a moped to be put into operation, they face a fine of 35 Euros. More information in our table:

The legal regulation of the minimum tread depth!

Now the question arises again what tread depth Have car tires because now have, so that the driver does not have to expect a fine in the event of a check and the safety of the vehicle is guaranteed. All important information on this can be found in the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (STVZO). For As already mentioned above, one applies to commercially available tyres Minimum tread depth of 1,6 millimeters.

The main profile of the round dance must have a profile depth of at least 1,6 millimeters own. The "main profile" means the wide profile grooves in the middle area of ​​the tread of the tyre. They take up about 3/4 of the tread width. Info: According to the law, a tread depth of at least is sufficient for bicycles with an auxiliary motor, mopeds and light motorcycles 1 mm.

The tires wear out over time due to the constant friction, which means that the grooves and sipes are less and less deep and eventually almost completely disappear. As a result, the tire no longer adheres so well to the road, which is primarily in snow, rain and ice can become dangerous. Due to massive wear and tear extended The braking distance also increases many times over and, in the worst case, the driver can even lose control of the vehicle completely. If a tire has sufficient tread depth, it functions as a kind of drainage system when it rains, for example. In short, this means that the water is drained away and as a result no continuous film of water forms between the tires and the road surface. The well-known aquaplaning can be easily prevented by a sufficient tread depth.

amazing like the deviation the legal minimum tread depth compared to the one recommended by experts, since the two values ​​differ greatly. The minimum tread depth is according to law 1,6 millimeters for both winter and summer tires. New winter tires usually even have a tread depth of 8 to 9 millimeters, it is similar with all-season tires. Automobile clubs, such as the ADAC, recommend a minimum of 1,6 millimeters for winter tires 4mm tread depth. The background is that below this value, the winter properties of the tires are no longer fully given and the braking distance can be significantly longer. If the abrasion is 2 millimeters, we are talking about an extension of up to ten percent. Compared to new tyres, we are even talking about an increase in the braking distance up to 25 percent. Furthermore, the cornering behavior and of course the grip level uphill suffer.

In Austria the legislature therefore follows the recommendations of the experts. Here is one Minimum tread depth of 4 to 5 millimeters stipulated by law. Keep this in mind when planning a trip to the neighbors. In short, high profile depths in winter tires enable strong road adhesion in snow. There are different recommendations for summer tires than for winter tires. A certain tread depth is essential here to avoid aquaplaning. A tire with a tread depth of 3 millimeters (recommendation of the experts) can only have a tread depth of eight millimeters compared to a new tire 30 percent drain off the water on the roadway. With the legally prescribed minimum tread depth of 1,6 millimeters, it is even lower 10 percent. This is the reason why experts at a significantly higher Minimum tread depth guess.

Compare used tires to new tires!

It is generally not recommended to buy tires that older than three years are, because not only the minimum tread depth has a negative impact on driving behavior. While there is no recommended lifetime for tires, but the rubber coating of a new tire simply grips much better. Even correct storage contributes to the preservation of the tires. The ADAC recommends tires no longer than 10 years to use. Even with low mileage, these should be 10 years for reasons of age be respected, even if the minimum tread depth is still there. In addition, new tires always have the advantage of being more advanced in their development, from which the vehicle driver can only benefit.

Insurance regulations!

In the event of an accident, the policyholder gross negligence be assumed if the minimum tread depth from unterschrit became. It is very likely that the polluter will then be left with the costs or at least part of them. However, exceptions confirm the rule, because there have already been court decisions that said that the insurance company still has to take over. However, this often requires one expert, which confirms that the accident was avoided despite the minimum tread depth being observed couldn't have avoided, At a Comprehensive insurance it goes similarly. If the insurance company comes to the conclusion that the undercut minimum tread depth was to blame, it is possible that the insurance company will assume the costs reduced or entirely verweigert. In any case, it is worth taking a look at the contract to find out how the minimum tread depth affects damage.

There is no legal regulation as to where tire wear occurs. The minimum tread depth must be 1,6 millimeters across the entire surface.

This guide is intended in particular to provide every driver with the Importance of tread depth to become aware of the tires. Furthermore, it should stimulate thought and, in the case of a decision for or against tires, help to decide on new tires sooner rather than too late. Because as described above, the minimum tread depth recommended by experts significantly better arguments in terms of safety than the 1,6 millimeters prescribed by law. Ultimately, however, everyone has to decide for themselves whether to follow the legislator's specifications or the recommendations of the experts. The latter would be safer!

Of course, that wasn't the end of it.

tuningblog.eu has a lot of other articles on the subject of auto & tuning in stock. Do you want to see them all? Just click HERE and look around. But also planned changes in the law, violations in road traffic, current regulations in the field of STVO or on the subject inspection we would like to inform you regularly. Everything you can find in the category "Test sites, laws, offenses, information". Following an excerpt of the last information:

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