How Do I Check Tire Tread Wear?

Good tire tread depth helps your car grip the road properly, which creates safer and more stable performance. And while you’ve heard that inspecting tires is important, just “How do I check tire tread wear anyway?” Learning how to check tire tread depth is easier than you might think, and you don’t need any expensive tools to do it. In fact, you can even use a penny to get the job done in a few seconds! Learn how to check tire tread depth like a pro, and visit Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for all of your automotive needs.

What is the Recommended Tire Tread Depth?

When you first buy a set of tires, you can expect a tread depth of about 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch (about a third of an inch) for a standard tire. Some tires have thicker tread, like winter tires and off-road specific models. Over years of Lincoln commutes and Omaha day trips, your tires wear down against the roads. Once your tread depth reads 2/32 of an inch, you’ll need to replace your tires to ensure your safety.

What Do I Need to Check My Tire Tread Depth?

You can use several things to check your tire tread depth in Seward, so take your pick of whatever you have on hand.

• Tread Depth Gauge: This is an inexpensive tool designed specifically to check your tread depth. You simply insert the probe into your tire groove and press the top bar of the gauge flat against the surface of the tire, and you’ll get an instant readout.
• Tread Wear Bars: Many tires also have indicators built into them called tread wear bars. These bars are built into the bottom of your tire grooves and when they are flush with the surface of your tire, you have reached 2/32 of an inch of tread remaining.

How to Check Tire Tread Depth: The Penny Test

While you can check your tire tread depth with a ruler or a tire tread depth gauge, you can also grab a penny from your house to take a quick and easy measurement. How do I check tire tread wear with a penny?

• Turn the penny upside and place it in your tire groove. The top of Lincoln’s head should be pointed toward the tire.
• Once the penny is in the groove, how much of Lincon’s head can you still see?
• If some of Lincoln’s head is inside the groove, you are good to go. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it means your tread is under 2/32 inches and it’s time for new tires.
• Repeat the process on all four tires in multiple locations on the tread.

Get Expert Tire Care at Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Now that you know how to inspect your tires at home, what else do you need to keep your car in top shape? Whether you want to pick up a tire tread depth gauge at our parts center or schedule your next tire rotation with our Crete technicians, the team at Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is here to help you with all of your automotive needs. Contact us today to get started!