Car tires: Measure the tread depth correctly

You should measure the tread depth of your car tires regularly. Not only to avoid punishment, but also because an adequate profile depth also offers you more security. This is especially true in difficult road conditions such as aquaplaning or flash ice.

The minimum tread depth for your car tires

In Germany, the statutory minimum tread depth of car tires is laid down in the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), Section 36 Paragraph 2.

• Accordingly, the legal tread depth must be at least 1.6 millimeters for the main tread of the car tire.
• Car associations, however, recommend considerably higher profile depths for safety reasons.
• For summer tires, the car tire profile should have a depth of at least three millimeters.
• The winter tires should have a tread depth of at least four millimeters.
• If you get caught with worn-out car tires, you not only face a hefty fine. This may also give you additional points in Flensburg.

Measure the tread depth of the car tires correctly

There are various ways to determine the current tread depth of your car tires. The decisive factor, however, is mainly the tread depth in the middle of the tire. The depth of the profile on the outer edge of the car tire is of secondary importance.

• A very simple and quick procedure is the one-euro method. Insert the coin into the recess of your tire tread. The 1 euro coin has a gold-colored border of three millimeters. As long as you don't see the edge of the coin, your tires are still in the green.
• The measurement can be carried out more precisely with a special profile depth gauge. You can get the profile depth meter in electronic or manual version from specialist retailers and at many petrol stations. To determine the tread depth of your car tire, attach the device and slide the measuring gauge down to the bottom of the trough. You can then read your profile depth relatively accurately.
• Alternatively, you can also use a ruler or a folding rule.
• Many of the newer car tires also have so-called wear indicators. Behind it is nothing other than small crossbeams at the bottom of the main profile channel. If you can already see these crossbeams on the upper edge of the profile of your tire, you should replace the tire as soon as possible.
• Even if the tread depth in the middle of the tire is crucial, you should not neglect the tread on the edge of the car tire. If the outer edge of the tread is significantly more worn than the tread in the center of the tire, you should probably ask an expert for help.

If your tires no longer have enough tread depth, we will show you how you can change your car tires yourself. We also tell you when to switch between winter and summer tires.