Abstract: The invention relates to a process for improving the cold formability of hot rolled or cold rolled heat-treatable steels.The characterizing feature of the invention is that with a composition of (in % by weight)0.32-0.54% C0.05-0.40% Mn0.41-1.5% Si0.02-0.15% Almaximum 0.05% Crmaximum 0.05% Smaximum 0.03% Pmaximum 0.02% Nresidue iron and unavoidable impuritiesprior to the final cold forming and quench hardening with subsequent tempering is performed for at least 15 hours at temperatures between 620.degree. and 680.degree. C. to graphitization, while with a composition of0.55-1.3% C0.20-0.30% Mn0.41-0.90% Si0.02-0.15% Almaximum 0.05% Crmaximum 0.010% Smaximum 0.03% Pmaximum 0.02% Nresidue iron and unavoidable impuritiessaid annealing lasts for at least 8 hours.