Tire maintenance and selection guide for vehicle safety

Proper tire maintenance and selection are critical for vehicle safety, stability, and fuel efficiency. In Brazil, legal regulations require a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm, though safety performance begins to decline significantly once tread reaches 3 mm on wet surfaces.

Beyond tread depth, tire pressure should be checked weekly while tires are cold to ensure optimal braking and durability. When replacing tires, matching the manufacturer's specified dimensions is necessary but insufficient; drivers must also consider load and speed indices, as well as the specific vehicle type.

For instance, urban hatchbacks and sedans typically prioritize comfort and low noise, whereas heavier SUVs require tires capable of handling different weight distributions and load demands. Data from Fenabrave indicates that SUVs accounted for 43.1% of new vehicle registrations in 2025, highlighting the importance of specialized tire selection for this growing market segment.