Fig. 172 Tread pattern: Wear indicator.
Tread depth
Most driving situations require as much tread depth as possible and similar tread
depth for the tires on the front and rear wheels. This is especially true when driving
in winter weather, at low temperatures and under wet conditions ⇒ .
In most countries the legally permissible minimum tread depth is 1/16 in (1.6 mm), as measured in tread grooves next to the wear indicators. Please be sure to obey country-specific legal requirements.
Winter tires are no longer suitable for winter operation once the tread pattern is worn down to a depth of 3/16 in (4.8 mm).
The tread depth of new tires can differ between tire models and manufacturers because of the different design features and tread patterns.
Tread wear indicator (TWI) in the tire
The 1/16 in (1.6 mm) high wear indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves of the original tires running across the treads ⇒ Fig. 172 . Several wear indicators are evenly spaced around the tire. Markings on the sides of the tires (for example “TWI” or symbols) show the position of the wear indicators.
Wear indicators show when the tires are worn down. The tires must be replaced no later than when the tread pattern is worn down to the wear indicators.
Warning
Volkswagen Tiguan Owners Manual > Tires and wheels: Winter tires
Read and follow the introductory information and
safety information first⇒Introduction
to the subject Winter tires improve the handling characteristics of your vehicle
significantly when driving under wintry road conditions. Summer tires have less
traction on snow and ice because of thei ...