Tyres, Tread Depth (1.6mm vs 4mm) & Cold Pressure
Tyre Tread Depth (Bandenprofieldiepte)
Under Article 5.2.41 of the Dutch Regeling Voertuigen:
- Statutory Minimum Tread Depth: 1.6 mm across the main circumferential grooves of the tyre. Below 1.6 mm, the car fails APK and is illegal to drive.
- Summer Tyre Replacement Recommendation: 2.0 to 3.0 mm.
- Winter Tyre Threshold: Winter tyres have zigzag sipes (lamellen) that grip snow. Below 4.0 mm, winter tyres lose their snow grip capability.
Tyre Pressure (Bandenspanning)
- Check Monthly when COLD: Driven less than 3 km at low speed. Rolling friction warms the air inside, artificially increasing pressure by 0.2 to 0.4 bar. Never deflate warm tyres!
- Consequences of Under-Inflation:
- Danger of sudden tyre blowout (klapband) on motorways due to internal carcass overheating.
- Increased braking distance and higher risk of aquaplaning.
- Increased rolling resistance, burning 3% to 5% more fuel.
- Accelerated wear on the outer edges/shoulders of the tyre.
Essential Statutory Rules (RVV 1990)
- Statutory minimum tyre tread depth for passenger cars is 1.6 mm across principal grooves (Article 5.2.41 Regeling Voertuigen).
- Winter tyres lose snow siping effectiveness below 4.0 mm tread depth.
- Always measure tyre pressure when tyres are COLD (driven less than 3 km).
- Under-inflation increases fuel consumption by 3–5% and causes wear on the outer shoulders.
Under-inflated tyres cause excessive heat buildup, longer braking distances, and blowout risk at highway speeds. Check pressure monthly when cold!
Check Your Understanding (4Questions)
Immediate CBR validation with instant answers and statutory RVV 1990 legal context. Scores persist in your module dashboard.
By how many metres at maximum may an indivisible load project forward beyond the front bumper of a passenger car? Enter the number in metres.
You are loading long wooden planks onto an open trailer behind your car. Are the planks permitted to project forward beyond the front coupling of the trailer?
Under modern eco-driving principles, what is the fuel consumption (in litres per 100 km) of an electronic injection car when rolling in gear with your foot completely off the accelerator (deceleration fuel cut-off)? Enter the number.
What is the recommended minimum tyre tread depth (in millimetres) for winter tyres to maintain safe snow and slush grip? Enter the number in millimetres.