Before the summer tires are put back on the car after the winter, you should check the tread depth.
But how much should actually still be on it?
When spring makes itself felt not only in terms of the calendar, but also in terms of the weather, it is the same picture every year: masses of car owners storm the workshops to change tires.
It is good if you have made an appointment in good time.
Of course you can also do the tire change yourself - but you should pay attention to a few things.
Among other things, it is not only important to check the tires for possible damage, but also to check the tread depth.
But how does that work?
And how much should summer tires still have?
Changing to summer tires: How much profile do you still need?
A brand-new car tire usually has a tread depth of between eight and nine millimeters.
Depending on how you drive, this will decrease over time.
The tire compound or the temperature also plays a role in wear, which is why you shouldn’t drive with winter tires in summer.
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 millimeters – for both summer and winter tires.
If a tire has less profile, it is no longer considered roadworthy and there is a risk of a fine of at least 60 euros and a point in Flensburg.
If other road users are endangered or if an accident occurs, at least 100 or 120 euros are due.
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The legal minimum tread depth is the same for summer and winter tires - it is 1.6 millimeters.
However, experts recommend significantly more.
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© blickwinkel/Imago
Minimum tread depth for summer tires: Experts recommend at least three millimeters
However, if you want to be safe on the road, you should not exhaust the legal framework.
The ADAC recommends a minimum tread depth of three millimeters for summer tires and at least four millimeters for winter or all-season tires (which, however, are not suitable for every requirement profile).
The automobile club recently tested 50 summer tires - the experts also discovered some "flammable" products.
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Minimum tread depth for summer tires: This is how you can easily measure them
The remaining tread depth can be measured either with an appropriate measuring device that is available for a few euros or that is occasionally even given as a promotional gift.
It's even easier and cheaper with a one-euro coin: its golden edge is exactly three millimeters wide.
If the edge disappears in the profile, everything is fine, if it is visible, the tire should be replaced.
But you should also pay attention to the age of the tires: According to experts, even if there is still sufficient tread, the tires should be replaced after eight (winter tires) or ten years (summer tires) at the latest.
List of rubrics: © blickwinkel/Imago