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Tyres and tread depth

water is pushed out through the groovesGood treadthe tyre floats on the waterWorn treadTread depth8 mmnew tyre3 mmwinter, min.1.6 mmsummer, min.
The grooves lead the water away. With worn tread the water stays under the tyre and the car can float (aquaplaning). The legal minimum is 1.6 mm in summer and 3 mm in winter – new tyres have about 8 mm.

The tread pattern channels water away. With worn tread the water stays under the tyre and the car can float on it (aquaplaning). The minimum is 1.6 mm in summer and 3 mm on winter tyres in the winter period, but braking distance grows long before that. The correct pressure is in the manual or on a label in the door frame.

Example

It is raining heavily, and the steering suddenly feels light at 90 km/h.

You are probably aquaplaning. Ease off the accelerator, keep the wheel straight and do not brake hard until the tyres grip again.

Measure the tread in several places. Tyres often wear unevenly.
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Part of Car licence (class B): The vehicle, load and trailer.