How deep is your safety? Tread depth: Why every millimetre counts. Aquaplaning Our contribution You can check your tread depth right now using a regular euro coin. If its golden ring still disappears between the treads, you’re good to go. If not, visit your local tyre dealer now! 1 2 3 D i d y o u k n o w ? 8 mm 3 mm 1.6 mm Aquaplaning due to insufficient tread depth. Aquaplaning behaviour A sufficient tread depth is the basis for safe driving. How much of your tyre is in contact with the road? Reduction of tyre contact during aquaplaning, which is already as small as a postcard. 70 km/h 70 km/h 70 km/h 90 km/h 90 km/h 90 km/h 50 km/h 50 km/h 50 km/h New tyre 8 mm Worn tyre 3 mm Worn tyre minimum 1.6 mm Most common accident causes due to worn tyres: Risk 1 Risk 2 Risk 3 With a tread depth less than 3–4 mm, the drainage capability of your tyres decreases dramatically, causing crashes in wet conditions and aquaplaning. Dramatic decrease of safety on wintry roads due to less grip. Low grip leading to unstable poor driving experience, even sudden loss of contact. Pioneer with the world’s first tread pattern car tyre in 1904 Unique rubber compounds and tread patterns c Operating at worldwide 317 locations Statistics based on survey in Germany WET ROAD sufficient tread depth WET ROAD insufficient tread depth The situation Tyre wear Less isn’t always more In what condition are the tyres you’re driving today? 1/3 don’t know their tread depth: 33% don’t know their tread depth 67% are aware of their tread depth (2 mm to 8 mm) Legal limit for tread depth Braking distance on wet road with summer tyres. Braking distance on wintry road with winter tyres. New tyres 4 mm tread depth Residual speed: 27.9 km/h + ca. 3 vehicle lengths (14 m longer braking distance) Residual speed: 33.8 km/h + ca. 5 vehicle lengths (26 m longer braking distance) Braking at 50 km/h 1.6 mm tread depth The graphics shown here are for illustration purposes only. The braking distance of a vehicle depends on its type, its age, the brakes and the tyres used, as well as the road surface. (Source: Continental AG) New tyres 3 mm tread depth Residual speed: 34 km/h + ca. 2 vehicle lengths (9.5 m longer braking distance) Residual speed: 44 km/h + ca. 4 vehicle lengths (18.6 m longer braking distance) 1.6 mm tread depth Braking at 80 km/h 8 – 4 mm Your tyre is 0–62% worn 2 mm Your tyre is 94% worn 3 mm Your tyre is 78% worn 1.6 mm Your tyre is 100% worn Good Inspect monthly Replace urgently Legal limit not recommended Accident avoiding driving – innovatively powered by Continental. Vision Zero All sources are available on www.continental-tyres.com