EU tightens tire laws: Safety standards for worn-out treads
The European Union has decided to implement a new regulation aimed at reducing the tire industry's carbon footprint. Under the new regulations, worn-out tires with a tread depth of 0.06 inches must meet the same braking requirements on wet surfaces as brand-new tires.
6:34 AM EDT, October 21, 2024
The European Union has opted for significant changes. Tires should ensure stable driving and braking performance, regardless of whether they are new or have a reduced tread depth of 0.06 inches.
The new regulations are expected to lead to less frequent tire replacements, resulting in savings of approximately 128 million tires annually.
However, in practice, drivers often need little convincing to change their habits.
From my observation, during the summer, people don't react at all to the tread height, nor do they pay attention to the wear indicator; they just drive until the tire is worn out. When it comes to winter, they do listen when they're told that below the indicator the tire is unsuitable, because it needs to have at least 0.16 inches - said Małgorzata Krawczyk from Eko Gum S.C.
New tire regulations aim to improve safety
The changes are intended to make roads safer. As part of the guidelines, tires must pass a braking test from 50 to 12 mph on a 0.04-inch layer of water.
It's obvious that a tire must both maintain traction and channel water. Whether the tread is 0.12 inches, 0.08 inches, or 0.06 inches, it should perform consistently.
