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Tires/wheels
Tread & tire pressure
Tread
With tires whose tread is worn off, automobiles easily start to slide during wet, icy, or snowy weather. Signs of wear in the longitudinal grooves of the tires are a visible alarm signal. For safety's sake, one should consider replacing the tires in good time. Here is how:
Summer tires when the tread is worn down to 2 mm
(with wide tires, the lower limit is 3 mm).
Winter tires with 4 mm remaining tread depth, because they lose traction on snow-covered streets below this level.
(A tip for checking the tire tread: Stick a coin into the intermediate space of the tread. If the external edge of the striking is hidden, the tread is still O.K.)
Tire pressure
Low tire pressure is not only a safety risk, but also increases wear on the tires and fuel consumption. The tire pressure should be checked once a month. The tires should be cold when checked, since warming during driving automatically increases the tire pressure.
The operating instructions of your vehicle list the correct tire pressure. It can be different, however, depending upon loading, speed, and tire type.
When in doubt, ask an expert.
Don't forget:
Check the tire pressure of the spare tire. The spare tire should be inflated with approx. 0.5 bar excess pressure.
Check rubber valves for damage to the valve seat.
Changing & storing tires
Before removing the tires, mark the direction of rotation and position:
FR = front right
FL = front left
RR = rear right
RL = rear left
Remove gravel from the tread grooves.
Store in a dry, cool, and dark place. Do not store any chemicals, gasoline, oil, or grease in the vicinity.
Stack tires on rims preferably on a flat wooden palette.
Place tires without rims vertically and turn from time to time.
Tips for changing tires:
When changing tires, always replace the complete set.
Do not mix different tire treads. This can lead to uncontrollable handling. Tires with different tread depths should also not be mounted on the same axle. Diagonal and belted tires may not be mixed.
The wheels must be rebalanced after each mounting.
Tires for all weather
Winter/all-season tires with the additional designation M+S offer safe traction on the street in any weather. When mounting winter tires, pay attention to the following:
M+S tires mounted on all wheels and not just on one axle. Complete wheels, meaning tires plus rims, make it easier to mount, remove, and store tires.
If the maximum speed of your winter tires is less than that of your vehicle, a sticker with the permissible maximum speed of the tires must be attached in the driver area in a visible manner.
The correct tire pressure for winter tires is listed in the operating instructions of your automobile.
If not, the rule of thumb is: 0.2 bar more tire pressure.
The tire markings
Which tires the automobile may use is listed in the motor vehicle registration certificate under Clause 20 to23 (any additional explanations under clause33). If the dimensions and type of the tires match, tires of a higher speed or load class are allowed. Here is an example of the tire markings in accordance with the new European standard:
185/60 R14 89 H 106
185 = Tire width in mm
60 = Height/width ratio
R = Type "radial tires"
14 = Rim diameter in inches
89 = Load
(here 475 kg)
H = Speed class
(up to210 km/h)
106 = Date of manufacture (the 10th week of the year1996).
From time to time, the date can be in another position on the side of the tire.
Tire markings
Combination of figures
For tires after the year of manufacturer 2000, the number is four-digit.
5102 means: 51st calendar week of 2002.
According to the standard in effect until 1989, the tire markings 185/60 HR 14 would have been sufficient in this example. With the transition from "old" to "new", the tire information also changes in the vehicle papers.
Still have questions?
The TÜV-service stations and the tire retailers will be happy to assist you.
Speed control
tires cannot endure excessive speed, especially not with summer temperatures. Heavy wear and material fatigue are the results.
After fast drives on the Autobahn, check the temperature of the tire the tire should be warm to the touch at most; if it is hot, either the tire pressure is too low or the belts and substructure of the tire are damaged.
Driving with loads
Maximum speed drives with a fully loaded automobile tax the tires, for example a vacation trip or a trip with additional roof load. The permissible maximum load is listed in the motor vehicle registration certificate. Weight the load and figure in the rooftop luggage rack. This is true for caravans as well as for limousines.
Tires react sensitively when the maximum permissible speed is exceeded. With trailers, this is sometimes only 80 km/h, especially with older models. Trailers built after 1989 must be designed for 100 km/h. With winter tires, the speed limit is usually 160 km/h or 190 km/h.
Useful life of the tire
The average useful live of a tire is about 10 years, even if it looks perfect or has hardly been used. The rubber mixture ages over time and loses important characteristics.
Replace tires for travel trailers and hardly used tires after 6 8 years. Spare tires, which are more than 6 years old, should only be used in emergencies.
High temperatures and sunlight accelerate the aging process. If the vehicle stands in the sun for an extended period, the tires should be covered.
Careful with curbs
Curbs damage tires they damage the structure and pave the way for subsequent tread separation and can cause blow-outs. Tips for driving correctly:
Roll over curbs or bars as slowly as possible and at a right angle.
When parking, make numerous corrections. Don't scrape along the edge of the curb with the side of the tire.
