Continental flags rise in German truck tire defects

Hanover, Germany – Reported tire defects on German commercial vehicles have increased by more than a quarter over five years, according to a new Continental white paper based on data from the German motor vehicle inspection association DEKRA.

The number of tire defects recorded on commercial vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes increased from 12,138 in 2020 to 15,436 in 2025, Continental reported 28 Sept.

This represents an increase of 27% over the five-year period, while the number of tires found to be worn on one side increased by 57%.

Continental did not provide a reason for the increase but noted that the number of vehicles inspected also increased, from about 343,000 in 2020 to nearly 374,000 in 2025.

The findings are based on DEKRA vehicle inspections and accident research and form part of Continental's new white paper on commercial vehicles and tire management.

“Tires are the only connection between a vehicle weighing several tonnes and the road,” said Hinnerk Kaiser, head of truck and bus tire product development for EMEA at Continental.

“Their importance for safety and emissions is becoming increasingly visible,” he added, calling for a “data- and process-driven tire management” approach among fleets.

Continental said digital tire monitoring, regular tread-depth checks and pressure monitoring could support predictive maintenance and reduce breakdowns and operating costs.