How to Check Tire Tread Depth

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When it comes to checking tire tread depth, there are a few different ways you can get this done. A tire tread depth gauge works best, but a ruler or penny can also be used. Whatever path you take, make sure you take time to understand what the recommended tire tread depth is, so you know when it’s time to replace your tires.

What is the Recommended Tire Tread Depth?

New tires are usually sold with either 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch of tread depth. That’s about a third of an inch, for reference. Winter tires and tires that are meant for off-roading, though, may have deeper tread grooves. While there’s no one recommended tire tread depth to drive on, there is a recommended time to replace your tires, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. That’s at2/32 of an inch of tread depth. Properly caring for your tires, including getting regular tire rotations, can help you maximize the life of your tires and prolong a higher tread depth. Not sure if it’s time for an alignment or rotation? Our service center offers complimentary check-ups!

The Penny Test for Measuring Tire Tread Depth

If you’re on-the-go and don’t have access to a ruler, you can use a penny to measure the tire tread wear on your vehicles. Here’s how:

  1. Put a penny into the grooves of your tire with Lincoln’s head facing upside-down.
  2. Check if Lincoln’s head is covered and no longer visible between the grooves.
  3. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, then your tires are at 2/32 inches deep or less, and you need to replace them immediately. Our tire shop can help.
  4. Repeat this process on all four tires, and in multiple locations on each tire for the best, most accurate results since each of your tires can wear at different rates in different spots.

How Do I Check Tire Tread Wear Using Other Methods?

If you don’t have any spare change lying around, then chances are you’ll want to use either a tread depth gauge or a ruler. Treadwear bars are another option. Here are the details:

  • Tread Depth Gauge: Tread depth gauges make measuring tire tread wear quick, convenient, and easy! They’re affordable and easy to use. Just insert the probe into the shallowest tread groove, then press the top bar of the gauge flat against the tire to see the treadwear rating. Some gauges even offer a digital reading!
  • Tread Wear Bars: Most new tires come with tread wear indicator bars built into them. These are found at the bottom of the tread grooves in several locations across the tire. If the bars are flush with the tire ribs around them, then you’ve reached 2/32 of an inch, and it’s time to replace them.

Maintain Your Tires at Luther Brookdale Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram

Whether you require new tires, need a tire rotation or wheel alignment, or are just looking for assistance in measuring your tread depth, we here at the Luther Brookdale Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram service center are more than happy to help! Get in touch with our service pros or our parts pros now for additional information. We’re here to make tire care simple!

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