When should you replace car tires?
Rules for car tires at technical inspection
These auto inspection rules will apply from Dec. 1, 2024:
Speed index
In Flanders, car tires must have a minimum speed index of 160 km/h.
The speed index is indicated on the tire by a letter. For a green card, you need the letters Q, R, S, T, U, H, V, ZR, W or Y.
If a vehicle has tires with a speed category lower than 160 km/h, it will be rejected unless the vehicle has a lower maximum speed according to the certificate of conformity (e.g.148km/h) . If the speed category is between 160km/h and the speed limit, this must be clearly stated on the dashboard by means of a sticker. Without this label, a rejection follows.
- Q = 160km/h
- R = 170km/h
- S = 180km/h
- T = 190km/h
- U = 200km/h
- H = 210km/h
- V = 240km/h
- W = 270km/h
- Y = 300km/h
Symmetry
As of December 2024, the only checks will be whether tires on an axle have the same size and structure (radial/diagonal).
Wear
Beware, as there are stricter controls on tire wear!
The wear indicator is used as a reference for this check. If it is flush with the tire, the car will be rejected (red inspection certificate). You then have 15 days to replace your car tires.
If the tread depth is less than 1.6 mm, you will receive a red inspection certificate prohibiting you from driving.
E-mark
Tires on vehicles first registered as of January 1, 2004 must bear an approval mark (e-mark) have. This mark indicates whether the tire meets European safety standards. The absence of this marking results in a rejection.
Doubts that your tires will pass the car inspection?
Feel free to stop by our tire center. Our specialists can check your tires for wear, symmetry, e-marking and speed index. If necessary, they will replace your old tires, so you go to the car inspection without worry.