TYRE PROFILE, ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

The profile and the tread depth are decisive for the road holding of the car. All Season tyres are especially suitable for moderate climates with changeable weather. A regular inspection of the profile is good for the life of the tyres and for safety.

WHICH PROFILE DOES A NEW TYRE HAVE?

New tyres have a tread depth of 7 to 8.5 millimetres, depending on the type of tyre. Winter tyres generally have more tread depth than summer tyres.

WHICH PROFILE SHOULD A TYRE HAVE FOR THE MOT?

The legal minimum tread depth for all passenger car tyres in Europe is 1.6 millimetres. However, it is safer to replace the tyres with at least 2 millimetres of tread depth. Winter tyres lose their winter properties with less than 4 millimetres of tread. There are wear indicators (TWI, Tread Wear Indicator) in the profile of the tyres that indicate the approach of the minimum wear limit. In addition to the TWI, winter tyres are also equipped with a WWI (Winter Wear Indicator). It has a height of 4 millimetres.

WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR TYRES?

You should replace the tyres before they have reached the minimum tread depth and if they have been in use for more than ten years. Rubber ages. The suppleness disappears and then the grip decreases, especially on colder asphalt. In any case, it is recommended that tyres that have been under the car for more than six years are checked annually by the tyre specialist. A damaged tyre, of which you can see the carcass, is no longer safe. Replacement is the only option. Keep in mind that you usually need two new tyres, because the tread depth of tyres should not differ by more than 2 millimetres.

MEASURING TYRE PROFILE

To measure the tread depth, you must go to a tyre specialist. You can also do it yourself, but for that you need a tread depth gauge.

MINIMUM PROFILE ALL-SEASON TYRE

What applies to winter tyres also applies to all-season tyres. With a tread depth of 4 millimetres or less, they lose their winter properties. In Austria, then, by law, they are no longer winter tyres. The legal minimum of 1.6 millimetres applies for the summer, with the recommendation to replace it at 2 millimetres.