Tread depth of summer and winter tires

European standards for the tread depth of winter and summer tires

Most European countries support a single standard for the tread depth of truck tires in accordance with the PDR rules.

Tire type	Minimum height	Optimum height	Tread depth at which tires need to be changed
Winter	4 mm	9-10 mm	5 mm
Summer: for trucks weighing up to 3.5 tons; trucks with a tonnage of 3.5 tons or more	1,6 mm 1 mm	7-8 mm	3 mm

 

Consequences of using tires with the wrong tread depth

Ignoring tread depth standards has a negative impact on tire life and driving safety. Avoid the following mistakes.

1. Buying low-quality tires. You need to choose tires from well-known brands, they use high-quality rubber compounds. Saving will lead to poor traction and rapid wear.
2. Using tires with different tread depths. Wear will be uneven, the truck's behavior on the road will be unstable. You should change, if not all tires at once, then in pairs.
3. Using one type of tire all year round. This is wrong. A high tread in the summer increases fuel consumption by up to 5% and overheats the rubber. A low tread in the winter worsens the wheel's traction on the road surface, increases the risk of losing control. Neglecting the tire change regulations will reduce the truck's handling and increase tire wear.

Failure to comply with the rules for permissible tread depth will result in fines and increase the risk of creating accidents.

Methods for measuring tread depth

There are several ways to check the depth of the working track of the wheel - with an improvised object and a special measuring device.

A depth gauge is used by mechanics at service stations. The depth changes as follows:

• the probe of the device is inserted into the groove;
• the protrusions are pressed against the tread;
• the value on the scale of the measuring tool will indicate the height.

A regular ruler and calipers will do if there is no depth gauge. Tires must be checked in different places. If the geometry of the wheels is damaged, the patterns wear unevenly.

You can monitor the tread depth between visits to the service station with a 1 euro coin, the thickness of its edge is 3 mm:

• put it in the groove;
• if the top of the coin edge is visible, the tires need to be changed.

Most manufacturers of modern truck tires, such as man truck parts, Mercedes-Benz truck parts and volvo truck parts, produce tires with wear indicators.

These can be:

• digital designations;
• colored red and yellow stripes on the tire;
• small bulges in the grooves of the pattern.

The latter indicate the minimum tread depth. The TWI mark on the sidewall of the tire indicates their location. If the tire has worn down to this rubber flat, it needs to be changed.

Final tips

It is necessary to check the height/depth of the rubber pattern during each technical inspection and maintenance of the truck. Important:

• change tires in a timely manner for the new season;
• do not wear the pattern down to the residual value;
• do not use a tread that has worn down to a minimum.

Regular monitoring of the tire condition and compliance with seasonal tire operating rules are the key to safe truck driving.