Audi S5 Owner's Manual page 236

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234 Wheels and tyres
Tread wear indicators
The tread wear indicators show the condition of the tyre
treads.
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high "tread wear
indicators" ⇒ fig. 220 running across the tread. Depending on the
make, there will be 6 to 8 of them spaced at equal distances around
the tyre. Markings on the tyre sidewall (for instance the letters "TWI"
or a triangle) indicate the positions of the tread wear indicators.
The minimum tread depth required by law in Germany is 1.6 mm
(measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indicators).
Other specifications may apply in export countries.
WARNING
To avoid putting safety at risk, the tyres must be replaced at the
latest when the tread is worn down to the tread wear indicators.
Especially in difficult driving conditions such as wet or icy
roads, it is important that the tyres have sufficient tread depth.
The tread depth should same on the tyres of both the front and the
rear axles.
The decrease in driving safety due to insufficient tread depth is
particularly evident in vehicle handling, when there is a risk of
WARNING (continued)
aquaplaning in deep puddles of water and when driving through
corners. Braking is also adversely affected.
The speed has to be adapted accordingly, otherwise there is a
risk of losing control over the vehicle.
Changing wheels round
Fig. 220 Tyre tread:
Tread wear indicators
To ensure that the wear is equal on all tyres the wheels should be
changed round from time to time according to the system
⇒ fig. 221. All the tyres will then last for about the same time.
Replacing wheels and tyres
It is important to use the correct wheels and tyres when
replacement is necessary.
– All four wheels must be fitted with tyres of the same type,
size (rolling circumference) and preferably the same
tread pattern.
– If possible, tyres should be replaced at least in pairs and
not individually (i.e. both front tyres or both rear tyres
together).
Fig. 221 Changing
wheels round