Tyre tread depth: What does the law say?

Why tread depth matters for your safety and performance on the road

Your tyres' tread depth plays a decisive role in your safety on the road. It's the only thing creating contact between your car and the road surface, which affects grip, stability and the ability to handle wet or snow-covered roads. Insufficient tread depth increases the risk of aquaplaning, worse performance and potential tyre damage. To make sure your tyres are in good condition and comply with Swedish law, it's important to regularly check and maintain your tyres' tread depth.

Legal tread-depth requirements

• Summer tyres: must have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm. We do however recommend at least 4 mm for extra safety on wet roads, specifically for water-dispersing performance.
• Winter tyres: the legal requirement is a minimum of 3 mm tread depth. Here too we recommend staying above that limit, and we tend to flag around 5 mm. You should also consider the tyre's age and the condition of the studs, though there's no law around that, only recommendations.

Checking the tread depth: a step-by-step guide

Preparation:

• Park the car on a flat, level surface.
• Apply the handbrake and put the car in park or first gear.
• Turn the steering wheel to improve visibility of the tyres you want to inspect.

Inspection:

• Use a tread-depth gauge to get an exact measurement of the tyre's tread depth.
• Check the tread depth at several points around the tyre's full circumference.
• Watch for the tread-wear indicators; once they're level with the tread, it's time to change the tyre.

Key points to note

• The condition of your tyres affects not only your safety but also your car's performance and fuel efficiency.
• Summer and winter tyres have different properties suited to each season's specific conditions. Däckgruppen recommends at least 4 mm tread depth for summer tyres and 5 mm for winter tyres for the best possible performance and safety.
• Swedish law requires approved winter tyres between 1 December and 31 March. Studded tyres may be used from 1 October to 15 April, with some local exceptions.

Tyre expertise

At Däckgruppen our focus is helping you get the most out of your tyres without compromising on safety. We offer professional advice based on your and your car's specific needs, and flag when your tyres are approaching or falling below the recommended tread depth. You're always welcome to stop by one of our workshops if you'd like help measuring your tyres and checking their condition. If needed, you can of course get a quote for new tyres too.