How to Check Tire Tread Depth
Sufficient tread depth is key to controlling your vehicle. Before you hit the road, track, or trail, use the penny test to make sure your tires have what it takes to stop on a dime. You can also check your tire’s wear indicators or use a tread depth gauge.
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Tread depth is the distance measured from the deepest part of your tire’s groove (also called tread voids) to the top of the tread block. This provides your tire with traction and stopping power. Tread depth is measured in inches with many new tires having 10/32nds to 11/32nds.
Keep in mind that other factors, such as tire age, also impact tire safety.
Regularly check your tire’s tread depth to monitor its overall health and know when it’s time to replace your tires.
Coin Tests for Measuring Tire Tread Depth
Penny Tire Tread Test
The penny tire test is a fast, simple way to check your tire’s tread depth. You want to make sure that your tire has more than 2/32nds of tread. All you need is a penny.
You can perform the penny test in 2 simple steps:
Place the penny into the tread groove with President Lincoln’s head upside down
Check the relation of the tread to Lincoln’s head:
If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tires are completely worn and need to be replaced ASAP
If Lincoln’s head is covered, then your tires still have more than 2/32nds of tread
Keep in mind that even if your tire passes the penny test it might still be worn below 4/32nds, at which point safety and performance are diminished. For your safety, we recommend replacing tires that are worn below 4/32nds of tread.
You can test if your tires are worn below 4/32nds of tread with the quarter test.
Quarter Tire Tread Test
The quarter test is similar to the penny tire test and can show you how much tread depth is left on your tires. Specifically, the quarter test shows if your tread depth has worn to or below 4/32nds of an inch.
You can complete the quarter tire tread test in two easy steps:
Place the quarter into the tread groove with George Washington’s head upside down
Check the relation of the tread to Washington’s head
If you see the top of Washington’s head, then your tires are worn below 4/32nds of an inch
Tires experience a serious loss in stopping power and hydroplane resistance below 4/32nds of an inch. We highly recommend replacing tires worn to or below 4/32nds of tread depth.
Reading Your Tires' Tread Wear Indicator Bars
Most tires come with wear indicators molded into the tread grooves, as seen below.
These bars are raised to 2/32nds of an inch. If your treadblocks are level with the wear indicators, then your tires are completely worn out and need to be replaced ASAP.
Using a Tread Depth Gauge
A professional tread depth gauge is another accurate way to measure your tread depth. You can find them easily at auto parts stores or online retailers. Gauges vary in design but typically feature a barrel, handles, and a probe.
Measure your tire’s tread depth with a tread depth gauge in three easy steps:
Examine your tire and find the most worn area; brace the gauge handles against the tread blocks above the groove
Push the probe down until it reaches the base of the tread
Remove the gauge and read the measurement (typically displayed on the side of the barrel)
Because tires can wear unevenly, we recommend checking your tread depth in multiple spots. The lowest reading is the most accurate tread measurement.
If your tires are in need of replacement, we recommend starting with Treadwell to help you find the best tires for you. In a few simple steps, Treadwell pairs you with tires that fit your vehicle, your driving style, and your driving area.
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