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Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Tread depth and wear indicators

Fig. 202 shows the wear indicators built into Volkswagen Golf Mk7 tyre tread. Difficult driving conditions demand the deepest possible tread depth, and matching depth front-to-rear — this page explains why uneven tread depth between axles specifically undermines handling and safety.

Fig. 202 Tyre tread: wear indicators

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

Tread depth

Difficult driving situations demand the deepest possible tread depth for the tyres and the same tread depth for the tyres on the front and rear axles. This applies in particular for driving in winter weather and cold temperatures and in wet conditions  .

In most countries, the minimum tread depth required by law is 1.6 mm (measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indicators). Observe any country-specific legal requirements.

Winter tyres lose a large degree of their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth of 4 mm.

The tread depth of new tyres can vary according to type and manufacturer due to construction and tread design.

Tread wear indicator in tyres

The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high tread wear indicators running across the tread  . These wear indicators are positioned at set intervals around the tyre. Markings on the tyre sidewall (for instance the letters TWI or other symbols) indicate the positions of the tread wear indicators.

The tread wear indicators show if a tyre is worn down. The tyre must be replaced at the latest when the tread depth is just down to the tread wear indicator.

WARNING

Worn tyres are a safety risk and can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and cause serious injury.
  • Tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread is worn down to the tread wear indicators.
  • Worn tyres have considerably less tread, particularly on wet roads, which can cause the vehicle to glide along the road surface (aquaplaning).
  • Worn tyres reduce the possibility of controlling the vehicle well in normal and difficult driving situations and increase braking distance and the risk of sliding.

    Questions & answers

    Tread depth and wear indicators — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

    What is the minimum tyre tread depth on the Golf Mk7?
    The legal minimum is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread. The manual recommends replacing earlier — at 3 mm (summer) or 4 mm (winter) — for adequate wet grip.
    What are the tyre wear indicators on the Golf Mk7?
    Small raised bars moulded into the tread grooves, marked by TWI arrows on the sidewall. When the tread wears level with these bars, the tyre has reached 1.6 mm and must be replaced.
    How do I check the Golf Mk7 tyre tread depth?
    Use a tread depth gauge or check the wear indicators. Measure at several points across the tread width and around the circumference — uneven wear may indicate alignment or pressure problems.
    Does uneven tyre wear on the Golf Mk7 indicate a problem?
    Yes. Wear on one edge suggests incorrect wheel alignment; centre wear suggests over-inflation; edge wear on both sides suggests under-inflation. Have the cause diagnosed and corrected.
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