Winter tire safety: Experts advise checking tread depth and age

Safety experts and insurance providers are warning motorists to inspect their winter tires before the onset of frost and snow. Beyond simply switching to winter tires, drivers must ensure the rubber is in good condition and has sufficient tread depth.

To check tread depth, a simple method involves using a coin; if the text on the coin remains visible above the tread, the tire may be too worn. While the legal minimum tread depth is often 1.6 mm, organizations like FDM recommend replacing tires once they reach 3 mm to maintain safety on wet or slippery roads.

In addition to tread, the age of the tire is a critical factor. Over time, tire rubber hardens and loses grip, even if the tread appears deep. Drivers can check the production date using the four-digit DOT code located on the tire sidewall, where the first two digits represent the week and the last two represent the year.

Failure to use appropriate tires for current road conditions can lead to increased accident risks and may impact insurance claims. Experts emphasize that summer tires are not a suitable substitute for winter tires due to differences in rubber compounds.