QA

Quick Answer: How Do You Measure Tire Tread Depth

Simply insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 inch and it’s time to replace your tires.

How do you measure tire tread?

The best way to measure your tread depth is to stick the probe into the shallowest groove on the tire, press the shoulders of the probe flat against the tread and then read the result. All gauges should measure both in the 1/32″ United States standard and in millimeters.

How deep should tire tread depth be?

New tires typically come with 10/32” or 11/32” tread depths, and some truck, SUV and winter tires may have deeper tread depths than other models. The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends replacing tires when they reach 2/32”, and many states legally require tires to be replaced at this depth.

How many 32nds is a new tire?

New tires have an average tread depth of 8 to 9 millimeters (10/32 to 11/32 inches). As you drive, the tread will wear down. A tire with a tread depth below 1.6 millimeters (2/32 inches) lacks grip. Braking distance and vehicle control are impaired.

How do you measure tread depth in Canada?

Hold the quarter between your thumb and forefinger with the quarter head facing down. Select a point on your tire where tread appears the lowest and insert the figurehead first into one of the grooves. If the top of the figurehead is covered by tread, you’re driving with the legal and safe amount of tread.

How do you measure tread depth without a gauge?

Penny Test for Tire Tread Wear Measurement. Insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. Quarter Test for Tire Tread Wear Measurement. Another easy coin test to measure tread depth is the quarter test. Check the Tire Tread Wear Indicator. Measuring with a Tread Depth Gauge.

Is 60 percent tire tread good?

Used tires tread can be up to 90%, but the average is 6-8/32”. Tires in good condition should have a minimum of 6/32” to be useful, or 4/32” if the tire is 13-14”. The average legal minimum tread depth is 2/32”, but driving becomes unsafe with such a tread.

How many miles are tires good for?

Your tires should last 50,000 to 60,000 miles on average. But that really depends on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers build their tires to last up to 80,000 miles, while some design their tires to last as little as 30,000 miles. You can see how many miles to expect out of a tire by checking its treadwear rating.

Should I replace my tires at 4 32?

The Tire Rack’s advice is that if rain and wet roads are a concern, you should consider replacing your tires when they reach approximately 4/32″ of remaining tread depth. Since water can’t be compressed, you need enough tread depth to allow the rain to escape through the tire’s grooves.

Is 4 32nds of tread depth legal?

According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, the minimum tread depth for a steer tire is 4/32 of an inch on every major tread groove. If one spot on one groove is less than 4/32, then a driver will be issued a citation.

How many 32nds is the wear bar on a tire?

The tread wear bars on a tire sit precisely at 2/32″.

Is 5mm tire tread good?

Insert the gauge into the tyre tread groove with the coloured scale touching the tyre. If the red is visible the tyre tread is below 1.6mm. This means the tyre is 100% worn and should be replaced urgently. If the green is visible, the tyre tread is above is 5mm and is safe to drive.

How do you measure tire tread with a Canadian quarter?

The quarter test A classic way to measure winter tire wear is to use a quarter. Insert a 25¢ Canadian coin in one of the grooves with the caribou facing down. If you see the tip of its nose, it means the tread depth no longer meets 6/32”, so the tire probably won’t last all winter or 10,000 km.

Is 5 32 A good tire tread depth?

Tread depth what to do 6/32” Your tire’s tread depth is sufficient for 3-seasons but nearing minimum for a winter tire. 5/32” If wet roads are a concern, consider replacing your tires. 4/32” – 3/32” Seriously consider replacing your tires as soon as possible. If it’s a winter tire, 4/32” is the minimum.

Is the penny test for tires accurate?

For years, motorists have been told the “penny test” is an accurate indicator of whether or not you need new tires. The test is conducted by sticking a penny head down in a tire tread; if you see all of Lincoln’s head, then you should change the tires. The one with an eighth of an inch of tread stopped in 300 feet.

How do you measure tread depth with a ruler?

Ruler: Using a ruler is also an easy and accurate way to check tread depth. Measure between your tread lines with a ruler and use the 1/16” scale. Just remember that 1/16” is equal to 2/32.

How often should your tires be rotated?

This common maintenance task—which should typically be done every 5,000 to 8,000 miles—isn’t one you should ignore. It may seem minor, but remember: Tires are the only thing that comes between your 2-ton vehicle and the road.

What is the penny trick for tires?

The Penny Test Insert a penny with Lincoln’s head upside down into a tire tread groove. If Lincoln’s head is covered and no longer visible between the grooves, your tread depth is good. If you can see all of Lincoln’s face, it means that the tire tread is 2/32 inches deep or less and it’s time to replace them.