Tire Tread Depth: When to Change Your Tires – and How to Drive Truly Safely

Tire tread depth is one of the most underestimated topics in everyday life. Many drivers only realize how much tread influences safety during heavy rain or in winter in Bavaria. Whether you're driving in Landshut, Lower Bavaria, or elsewhere in Germany: less tread usually means less reserve – especially in wet conditions. Here you'll find clear, simple rules: legal limits, practical recommended values, measurement methods, and buying tips.

Legal Minimum: What is Permitted?

In Germany, the main tread must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm. This is regulated in §36 StVZO: Gesetze-im-Internet: §36 StVZO.

Why Practical Considerations Often Require Earlier Replacement (Especially in Rain)

Rain is the biggest "tread test." If water isn't evacuated quickly enough, aquaplaning can occur. The ADAC explains how tread, pressure, and speed are interconnected: ADAC: Avoiding Aquaplaning.

The ADAC also provides practical advice on tire tread and when it becomes critical: ADAC: Tire Tread & Tread Depth.

Easy to Remember: Practical Replacement Points (Rules of Thumb)

• Summer Tires: Many drivers wisely plan to change their tires well before 1.6 mm – especially if frequent rain drives are expected.
• Winter Tires: For snow and slush, a tire usually needs more tread than in summer. Especially in Bavaria, it's worth not driving "to the limit."
• All-Season Tires: If you use them year-round, you should particularly monitor the tread in autumn/winter.

How to Measure Tread Depth Correctly (2 Minutes)

Option 1: Tread Depth Gauge

A simple tread depth gauge is inexpensive and reliable. Measure at several points across the tire width, not just once in the middle.

Option 2: Coin Test for Quick Orientation

The coin test is not an exact measurement, but a quick rough check. If you're unsure: it's better to measure or have it checked.

Warning Signs: When Tread Problems Are Particularly Serious

• Uneven wear (significantly less on the inside or outside)
• Steering wheel pulls on a straight road
• Instability in wet conditions or a feeling of aquaplaning at moderate speeds
• Noticeably longer braking distance (subjective)

New or Used? How to Buy Tread-Safe Tires Online

When your tread is low, "just waiting it out" is rarely the best idea. Planning early gives you more choice. You can compare directly in the shop:

• New Tires for maximum lifespan
• Used Tires, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option (pay attention to tread/age)

You can filter immediately for the season: Summer Tires – new or Winter Tires – new. For an overview, Tires is suitable.

Common Mistakes with Tire Tread Depth

• Only focusing on 1.6 mm: legal doesn't automatically mean sensible – especially in rain and during the Bavarian winter.
• Only measuring in one spot: wear is not always even.
• "Forgetting" all-season tires in winter: check tread and 3PMSF before frost arrives.

Conclusion: Check Tire Tread Depth, Decide Early, Order Safely Online

Tire tread depth is a small check with a big impact. If you check your tread in good time and don't wait until the legal limit, you'll drive more safely in rain and winter weather – in Landshut as well as nationwide. Look now in Tires, choose suitable new tires and order online. Tire tread depth is ultimately what works between you and the road – give it the attention it deserves.