Wear indicators

Wear indicators show you whether your tires are worn.

Fig. 228 Tire tread: wear indicators

1.6 mm high "wear indicators" are built into the tread grooves of original-equipment tires, at right angles to the direction of rotation, Fig. 228. Depending on the brand, these indicators are located 6 to 8 times at equal intervals around the tire circumference. Markings on the tire sidewalls (e.g. the letters "TWI" or triangular symbols) show the location of the wear indicators.

When the tread depth measured in the grooves next to the wear indicators is only 1.6 mm, the minimum tread depth permitted by law has been reached.

(Other values may apply in export countries.)

CAUTION!

When tires are worn down to the level of the wear indicators, they must be replaced immediately - risk of accident!

• When driving on wet or icy roads, it is recommended to have maximum tread depth or equivalent tread depth on both the rear axle and the front axle.
• Insufficient tread depth results in compromised road safety, particularly during maneuvering, when there is a risk of aquaplaning, when cornering or when braking.
• If you do not adapt your speed to the traffic conditions, you risk losing control of your vehicle.