How tyres impact safety, performance and fuel efficiency

ADAC tests, EU tyre labels and expert advice confirm tyres directly affect braking, grip, comfort and fuel use. Learn why tyre choice defines car safety.

Tyres are not just black rings of rubber – they are the sole connection between a car and the road. The contact patch is no bigger than a palm, yet it dictates whether a vehicle will stop in time, how it behaves in a corner, and how much fuel it consumes.

Safety begins with tread. Recent ADAC tests revealed that the braking distance on wet asphalt can differ by as much as ten metres between premium and budget tyres. That gap often separates a safe stop from an accident. To ensure transparency, the European Union requires tyre labels with three key metrics: rolling resistance, wet grip, and external noise. The updated label now includes a QR code for quick verification.

Pressure and monitoring systems. Since 2014, all new cars in Europe must be equipped with TPMS (RDKS) to monitor tyre pressure in real time. From 2024, the requirement was extended to trucks and trailers. TÜV reminds drivers that a faulty system can result in failing the roadworthiness inspection. No wonder tyre pressure is the first line in any maintenance checklist.

Tread depth – the line between grip and sliding. While the legal minimum in Europe is 1.6 mm, ADAC recommends replacing summer tyres at 3 mm and winter or all-season ones at 4 mm. On wet or slushy roads, those extra millimetres determine whether aquaplaning occurs or control is maintained.

Seasonal choice matters. All-season tyres deliver a solid compromise, but they struggle in extreme heat or deep frost compared to dedicated models. Summer tyres thrive in hot climates, winter tyres excel on snow and ice. Manufacturers back this with measurable gains – Michelin’s Alpin 7, for instance, cuts braking distance on snow by 6% while reducing rolling resistance.

Economy and environment. Rolling resistance is directly linked to fuel use and CO₂ emissions. The Continental SportContact 7, tested by ADAC, scored highly not only for grip but also for its “environmental balance,” highlighting how safety and sustainability increasingly go hand in hand.

Care and lifespan. Both official guidelines and practical reviews agree: check tyre pressure every two weeks, rotate them every 10,000 km, and never use tyres older than five years even if they appear new. Average lifespan hovers between 40,000 and 50,000 km, though driving style and road quality play a major role.

In the end, the message is clear: no matter how advanced driver assistance systems become, tyres remain the decisive factor for safety, comfort, and efficiency. If there is one area where meticulous care truly pays off, it is tyre choice and maintenance.