How to Check Tire Tread Depth
There's nothing quite like having sufficient tread depth when it comes to controlling your ride. Before you hit the road (or the track, or the trail), use our penny tire test to make sure your tires have what it takes to stop on a dime.
Tires looking a little slim on tread depth? Don't worry, we've got you. We have a massive inventory of tires, and the lowest prices, so when it's time to replace your tires, we can help you save on safety!
Shop TiresFirst, if you're wondering what tread depth is, it's pretty straight forward. Tread depth is the distance measured from the deepest part of your tire's groove (AKA tread voids) to the top of the tread block, and it helps your tires provide your vehicle with traction. Why is tread depth so critical? Because it's what ensures that you have safe stopping distance no matter the weather.
(Bear in mind, things like tire age also have a big impact on tire safety.)
By regularly checking your tire tread depth, you can be sure when it's time to replace your tires. Below are a few easy ways to check your tread.
Coin Tests for Measuring Tire Tread Depth
Penny Tire Tread Test
If you're looking for a fast, simple way to check your tire tread depth, the penny tire test is the way to go. It's a quick, easy way to make sure your tires have more than 2/32nds of tread, and all you need to do it is a penny! The only easier way to check your tread? Let us do it for you!
Perform the penny test by placing a penny into the tread groove with President Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the tires are completely worn out and need to be replaced stat. If Honest Abe's head is covered, then your tires still have more than 2/32nds of tread.
Keep in mind, even if your tires pass the penny test, they 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 at or below 4/32nds of tread. And don't worry, you can determine if your tires have more than 4/32nds by performing the quarter test below!
Quarter Tire Tread Test
Similar to the penny tire test, the quarter test can show you how much tread you have remaining on your tires. Specifically, the quarter test will show you if your tread depth has worn to or below 4/32nds of an inch.
To perform the quarter test, take a quarter and place it into your tread groove with George Washington's head facing downward. If you can see the top of Washington's head, then your tires have worn below 4/32nds of an inch.
Below 4/32'', your tires will experience a serious loss in stopping power and hydroplaning resistance. We highly recommend replacing tires worn to or below 4/32nds of tread depth.
Reading Your Tires' Tread Wear Indicator Bars
If you don't have any spare change on hand, you can always read your tire's wear indicator bars. Most tires are built with these wear indicators moulded into the tread grooves, as seen in the image above.
These bars are raised to 2/32nds of an inch. If your tread depth is level with the tire's wear indicator, your tires are completely worn out and need to be replaced ASAP.
Using a Tread Depth Gauge
Finally, the most accurate way to measure your tread depth is with a professional tread depth gauge, which you can find at an auto parts store or online. These gauges may vary in design, but typically feature a barrel, handles and a probe.
Carefully evaluate your tire to find the most worn area and brace the gauge handles against the tread blocks above a groove. With the gauge aimed into the groove, push the probe down until it reaches the base of the tread. Then remove the gauge and find the tread depth reading, typically on the side of the barrel.
Because tires can wear unevenly, we recommend checking your tread depth in multiple spots. The lowest reading you get is the most accurate tread measurement.
Are your tires looking a little low on tread? We can help you out! Buying tires (and wheels) online has never been easier, plus you can use Treadwell to find the ideal tires for your unique driving needs.
Did you know we also stock wheels and rims? Not only do we have the largest selection of wheels, we've got the lowest prices, too!
Shop Wheels(Because we know tires aren't the only safety feature on your ride, we also sell and install windshield wipers. Get your wiper blades installed for free during your next tire service!)
If you have any questions or require any assistance, stop by any of our America's Tire locations and we'll get you taken care of! Customers who buy and book online save time in-store!