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Most driving situations require as much tread depth as possible and similar tread depth for the tires
on the front and rear wheels. This is especially true when driving in winter weather, at low tempera‐
tures and under wet conditions ⇒ .
In most countries the legally permissible minimum tread depth is 1/16in. (1.6mm), as measured in
tread grooves next to the wear indicators. Please be sure to obey country-specific legal requirements.
Winter tires are no longer suitable for winter operation once the tread pattern is worn down to a
depth of 3/16in. (4.8mm).
The tread depth of new tires can differ between tire models and manufacturers because of the differ‐
ent design features and tread patterns.
Make sure to use snow chains when required and to install them only on the approved tire and rim
combinations ⇒Snow chains .
Tread wear indicator (TWI) in the tire
The 1/16in. (1.6mm) high wear indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves of the
original tires running across the treads ⇒Fig.188 . Several wear indicators are evenly spaced around
the tire. Markings on the sides of the tires (for example TWI or symbols) show the position of the wear
indicators.
Wear indicators show when the tires are worn down. The tires must be replaced no later than when
the tread pattern is worn down to the wear indicators.
WARNING
Worn tires are dangerous and can cause loss of vehicle control including serious personal
injuries.
Never drive a vehicle when the tread on any tire is worn down to the wear indicators, replace
them sooner.
Worn tires do not grip the road properly, especially on wet roads, increasing your risk of hy‐
droplaning and loss of control.
Worn tires reduce the ability of your vehicle to handle well in normal and difficult driving situa‐
tions and increase braking distances and the risk of skidding.
Tire wear and damage
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