Tyre Check

Nothing drives as easily and comfortably, leans flexibly into a curve and brakes well but a roadworthy tyre. The following pages provide information for you to observe and on how the tread depth is measured.

Check list for tyres

• Avoid damages
• Storing tyres
• Checking tyre pressure
• Wear indicators
• Aging of tyres
• Replace the tyre
• Warranty on the tyres

Avoid damages

In order to maintain the quality of the tyres as long as possible in a roadworthy condition, you should treat the tyres with care.
This is what you should observe

• If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive slowly and at a right angle if possibly.
• Keep oil, grease and fuel off the tyres.
• Check your tyres regularly for damage (punctures, cuts, cracks or blisters). Remove foreign bodies embedded in the treads.
• The service life of tyrs depends on tyre pressure, driving style and the correct fitting.

Storing tyres

Helpful tips for the storing tyres are listed here.

You should observe this

• Mark wheels when you remove them to indicate the direction of rotation so that they can be mounted correctly when they are refitted.
• Store the dismantled wheels or tyres in a cool, dry and preferably dark place.
• Place the tyres in a vertical position if they are not mounted on rims.

Checking tyre pressure

The correct tyre pressure adjusted to the car will offer the required safety and avoid unnecessary fuel consumption.

Please proceed as follows

• The correct tyre pressure is shown on a sticker on the inside of the tank flap.
• Read the required tyre pressure off the sticker.
•  Place the air pressure gauge directly on the dust cap, without removing it.
• Always check the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold. The raised pressure of a warm tyre should not be reduced.
• Adjust the tyre pressure to the load you are carrying.
• The correct tyre pressure is especially important when driving at high speeds. You should check the pressure at least once a month and additionally prior to any longer trip.

Wear indicators

The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high “tread wear indicators” (see picture), across the tread. Depending on the make, theer will be six to eight of them evenly spaced around the tyre. Markings on the tyre sidewall (for instance the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the positions of the tread wear indicators. The minimum tread depth required by law in Germany is 1.6 mm (measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indicators). Worn tyres must be replaced. Different figures may apply in your country, so you have to check it with your local authorities.

The aging of Tyres

Tyres age as a result of physical and chemical processes that lead to a deterioration of their functions. Tyres that are stored unused for a longer period harden and get brittle faster than those permanently in use. Hairline cracks can occur in older tyres as a result. With tyres that are permanently in use, the milling process activates the softener in the rubber which prevents a hardening or the occurrence of cracks.

Therefore one should also pay attention to the age of the tyres besides the depth of the profile in respect of spare tyres, stored tyres and other tyres not permanently in use. The age can be determined by the DOT-marking on the tyre which among others also states the production date of the tyre.

Replacing tyres

Regularly replacing of tyres protects you and the occupants from accidents caused by the bursting and tearing of the tyre.

When should you replace the tyres:

• When the legal minimum tread of 1.6 mm is reached.
• When mechanical damages are visible.
• When the age of the tyre exceeds 6 years.